Toongabbie Healthy Eating, Healthy Life Barbecue

The community is invited to a free community barbecue to learn more about diabetes prevention and healthy living.

In collaboration with Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD), community group healthy Living Toongabbie (hLT) is holding a ‘healthy eating, healthy Life’ barbecue at Civic Park in Pendle hill on Sunday, February 19 from 10am to 1pm.

hLT is a community-based organisation dedicated to educating the community about diabetes, prediabetes and healthier food options.

It was formed four years ago by a group of passionate Toongabbie health professionals, business people and residents concerned at the high number of residents in their community with type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where a person becomes resistant to insulin or their pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to counteract the food eaten.

Over time, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, resulting in long term health complications including heart, kidney, eye and foot damage. hLT President Shanthini Seelan, a GP at Bridgeview Medical Practice in Toongabbie, said hLT is focused on improving type 2 diabetes awareness in the community.

“We are a unique blend of community-minded citizens united by a common goal - to defeat diabetes together,” Dr Seelan said.

“We focus on the grass roots level, bringing about diabetes awareness in the community and providing easily applicable solutions to do this.

“Armed with this knowledge, the community will be better prepared to take on this serious and lifethreatening disease.” www.healthylivingtoongabbie.org

There will be a free healthy barbecue, information stalls and free activities such as yoga, Zumba sessions, health experts talks and health-related trivia.

Type 2 diabetes is preventable and manageable through healthy eating, regular physical activity, and monitoring blood glucose levels if needed.

Dr Seelan said the day is an opportunity to have a talk to residents to encourage them to make a difference to the health of their community.

The Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) initiative is led by the Western Sydney Local health District and Western Sydney Primary health Network (WentWest) to address the Western Sydney diabetes hotspot.

Details: 10am-1pm, Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Civic Park, Targo road, Pendle hill. Registration from 9.30am.