National Diabetes Week: New community education sessions offer practical advice
More than 400 older people have learned about diabetes prevention and management through Bolton Clarke’s latest addition to the free Be Healthy and Active community health and wellbeing program.
The new Diabetes Awareness sessions, introduced this year, provide a practical introduction to type 2 diabetes, including lifestyle tips to reduce risk.
Next week, 12-18 July, is National Diabetes Week with a focus on raising awareness of diabetes, which affects about one in 20 people nationally.
An estimated two million Australians are at high risk of or showing early signs of type 2 diabetes, which is increasing at the fastest rate and is associated with greater availability of cheap high-kilojoule foods and lower levels of physical activity.
Bolton Clarke Community Programs Manager Kerry Rendell said the new sessions had proven a popular addition to the Be Healthy and Active program, with 99 per cent of participants saying they felt more confident in recognising diabetes risk factors and more than half saying the planned to make changes to their lifestyle to reduce risk.
“The sessions explore common myths and highlight the importance of early detection, regular health checks, and accessing support from healthcare professionals and community resources to identify risks or symptoms early,” Kerry said.
“They also look at practical ways people can reduce their diabetes risk including healthy food choices, regular physical activity or movement, limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking.
For free resources or to book a session visit Be Healthy and Active | Bolton Clarke
