Stittsville Lions Club educates public for diabetes awareness month

“In 2017, 7.3% of Canadians aged 12 and older (roughly 2.3 million people) reported being diagnosed with diabetes.” – Statistics Canada.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. An awareness not overlooked by the Stittsville Lions Club. The Club has supported diabetes research with their annual fundraiser heading into the Christmas season – Case for a Cure – with all proceeds going to Diabetes Canada. The Club also supports Camp Banting raising additional money so children with diabetes can attend summer camp in a diabetes friendly environment.

On November 16, the Club joined with professionals to host a day of Diabetes learning and information for the Stittsville community. The exhibitors present were able to educate the public about the disease and how to prevent it. The day was organized by Marilyn Southall and “she is planning to hold another such day of Diabetes awareness in May of 2020”.

Marilyn said “today was such a success and I am so pleased that the exhibitors who joined us were able to help so many in our community…one lady, recently diagnosed, left with tears of joy because she had learned so much”.

Ashlee Pallotta, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Diabetes Canada Ottawa Branch, shared much information beneficial to many in preventing the disease and how to adjust to living with diabetes in day to day life.

Suzanne Magie of Omnipod explained the benefits of using their waterproof pod that allows for three days of insulin supply and management, avoiding the need to inject insulin every day.

The team from the University of Ottawa Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, under the direction of Dr. Glen Kenny were there to recruit volunteers to participate in their Heat Study. Andrew D’Souza, graduate student, explained to us that the study will allow the Research Unit to examine the affect of hot weather temperatures and physicial activities on diabetes patients and those with high blood pressure. The team wants to develop strategies to limit the risk and protect your health and well being. To find out more about the University of Ottawa study or to participate visit www.hepru.ca.

Agnes Ling, a Registered Practical Nurse specializing in foot care told us that diabetes patients must pay special attention to any sores or broken skin on their feet as these can lead to much larger problems. Circulatory issues should also be watched closely in diabetes patients. Agnes makes home visits and can be contacted at Ags.ling@gmail.com.

Isabel Williams, Registered Dietician, who works in the Pharmacy at both Brown’s and Moncion’s Your Independent Grocers, shared her message on the effect of good nutrition for diabetes patients. As well, those without the disease, but it is prevalent in your family, should follow a healthy diet to prevent the onset of the disease. Isabel provides one-on-one counselling and would be pleased to personally discuss any dietary issues you may have and can be reached through her email at isabel.williams@loblaw.ca.

Kate Beaulieu was 12 when she began her foray into the clothing business with her Sugardrop Sweetwear Company. The company was founded shortly after Kate was told she had Type-1 Diabetes at 11 years of age. Sugardrop is founded on raising awareness of the early onset of Type-1 Diabetes with proceeds of the clothing sales donated back to Diabetes Canada. From where did the company transpire? Sugardrop Sweetwear was named for the family’s phrase each time Kate did blood sugar testing. T-shirts and hoodies are her big sellers.

Dr. Yung-Yul Choi, the President of Lions International sent out a message to all Lions asking them to “Make Your Mark this World Diabetes Day”. The Stittsville Lions have certainly made Dr. Choi proud with all of the work and support they give back to Diabetes Canada.

 

 

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