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Shining a light on diabetes prevention by Kylie O’Brien 17 November 2015
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punipma’s diabetes education team are continuing to spread the message about chronic disease prevention as a yarning and activity session will be held at Kowanyama today. Women will make candles to help shine a light on the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, help to prepare a healthy meal and have a yarn at the Atharpuch Mums ‘n’ Bubs Family Health Centre from 4.30pm-7.30pm. About 30% of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population has type 2 diabetes, three times higher than non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. There is a need to encourage people to get regular blood sugar tests, choose healthy options for foods and drinks, be active and eliminate drinking and smoking. Diabetes Nurse Educator Cathryn Dowey said everyone can do their bit to “swap sugar for something better” by opting for water instead of soft drink. “Eating healthy food, doing regular physical activity and taking medication as advised by your doctor are the key ways to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes,” Ms Dowey said. Social and emotional wellbeing
is another key element in the fight against chronic disease - which can cause blindness and kidney failure. “Social and emotional wellbeing is critical to preventing and managing type 2 diabetes, because we need to be feeling well to do the things we need to do to stay healthy.” Health Promotion Officer Fiona Millard and Ms Dowey will host the session at Kowanyama. Ms Millard said it is a good opportunity for women to share and network while gaining valuable information about diabetes. “The session will include a
chance for us to sit down and talk about type 2 diabetes while we make a candle and have a healthy meal,” Ms Millard said. “There will be a session on how to keep your feet healthy. Type 2 diabetes cab cause nerve damage to feet. This means cuts and sores can become infected without the person noticing it, potentially causing ulcers and even amputations. “We will also have blood pressure and blood sugar testing equipment if women want to come and find out how they’re travelling.”
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