50% of locals live with diabetes

ABOUT 50% of adults in the Local Health District covering Blacktown and adjoining local government areas are living with diabetes or at risk of the condition.

Twelve per cent of adults in the Western Sydney Local Health District, about 91,500 people, have type 2 diabetes.

Another 38% of adults, or 290,000 people, are at high risk of contracting the condition.

The latest estimates are in Western Sydney Diabetes’ Year-in-Review 2022 report.

They underscore why Workers Lifestyle Group is funding a $500,000, fiveyear community campaign for diabetes prevention and early detection, says group CEO Morgan Stewart.

Workers Lifestyle Group, in partnership with Western Sydney Diabetes and Novo Nordisk, launched the Western Sydney Changing Diabetes campaign in December. The campaign promotes regular health checks along with healthy diets, cooking and activities to its 53,000 members.

“Diabetes is Australia’s largest disease burden and Western Sydney is a diabetes hot spot, yet 80 per cent is preventable by early detection and lifestyle changes,” Mr Stewart said.

“At the campaign launch, we heard that an average 2kg weight loss can prevent 30% of at-risk people developing diabetes.

“Western Sydney Changing Diabetes is about primary prevention, for the

Western Sydney community and for members and staff at our Workers Blacktown and Workers Sports clubs. With the support of sponsorship from

Novo Nordisk, Workers Lifestyle Group is hosting fortnightly Western Sydney Diabetes detection testing for members and guests through the HbA1c blood test, which can detect the risk developing Type 2 diabetes within a few minutes. The next detection testing is on Tuesday, March 28.

Novo Nordisk has also supported the installation of SiSU health stations at the Workers and Sports Clubs for members and guests, for broader health checks and tracking of health improvement as Club patrons engage with the health promotion activities. The 12% incidence of type-2 diabetes among Western Sydney adults is signifi- cantly higher than the state-wide average, which NSW Health estimates at 11%. About 22% of people attending Blacktown Hospital have diabetes and 30% of adults attending hospital emergency departments and GPs in Western Sydney have pre-diabetes (high blood sugar likely to progress to type 2 diabetes if untreated), according to the Western Sydney Diabetes report.

Diabetes is the main cause of preventable blindness, raises the risk of heart failure by 4 times and doubles the risk of strokes, heart attacks and dementia.

Read the Western Sydney Diabetes report at https://www.westernsydneydiabetes.com.au/ uploads/2023/02/Western-Sydney-DiabetesYIR-2022.pdf

Council develops forest strategy

BLACKTOWN Council is developing an Urban Forest Strategy to plan how we will continue to grow and look after our urban forest, and how you can help to achieve this.

Together – community, Council and other stakeholders – can grow a healthy, green and resilient urban forest that is well managed, protected and provides maximum benefits to our community.

The urban forest is made up of all the trees and other vegetation in Blacktown. This includes street and park trees but most of the trees and vegetation are in your backyards, along public transport routes, in industrial areas and in conservation areas.

What is an urban forest?

The urban forest comprises all the trees and other vegetation in Blacktown. It includes street and park trees but most of the trees and vegetation are in backyards, along public transport routes, in industrial areas and in conservation areas. Our urban forest provides a huge range of benefits to us, the environment, and our local economy.

EARN ENTRIES WITH EVERY $10 SPEND WITH A LIFESTYLE REWARDS CARD SWIPE AT ANY WORKERS VENUE

MAJOR DRAW

SUNDAY 28TH MAY

MAJOR DRAW ON THURSDAY 25TH MAY FROM 5PM. ACROSS ALL 3 VENUES

EARN AN ENTRY ON EVERY $10 SPEND WITH A LIFESTYLE REWARDS CARD SWIPE ON FOOD OR A CUB PRODUCT AT WORKERS SPORTS!

$25

Australian barramundi fillet with fresh lemon & oregano, served with garden salad, chips & chimichurri salsa

Lunch & Dinner

Wednesday & Thursday

Workers Blacktown Conditions apply. Members only. Valid until Thursday 27th April.

THE sound of charging horses and jousting lances clashing on silver armor will fill the air at Doonside on May 20 and 21 when it hosts the annual Blacktown Medieval Fayre

The joust is a sport of speed, agility and impact that has thrilled spectators for centuries. Riding in armor weighing 40kg, at speeds of up to 50kmh, the jousting knight lowers a three metre lance and takes aim to strike the target on his opponent’s left shoulder.

They are serious all-round athletes who must combine horsemanship, accuracy and strength to succeed.

The Fayre is based at Nurragingy Reserve which will be transformed back into the Dark Ages this May.

You'll be able to immerse yourself in the medieval culture with the Birds of Prey Show, medieval displays, combat artillery, handmade arts and crafts, free camel and pony rides and working Blacksmith Hut.

The Jousting Competition will still be the highlight of the event with riders from all over the country fighting for the prestigious title.

Visitors will experience the excitement of living history at its best and all spectators are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite medieval attire.

Another highlight of the weekend is the Medieval Banquet on the Saturday night will offer an authentic experience of medieval celebrations that took place either after an epic battle or to celebrate a wedding ceremony.

You will dine on medieval food and drinks while being entertained with various performances throughout the night.

Guests must come dressed in theme and be prepared to join in with the various activities throughout the night.

It will be held at The Colebee, Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Rd, Doonside. Last