Diabetes Awareness Week
Home » Blog » Lynda Brendish » Diabetes Awareness WeekDiabetes Awareness Week is coming up November 16-22, 2010
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A staggering 200,000 New Zealanders are affected by diabetes - and many do not know they have it - according to Diabetes New Zealand. And that number is set to increase in the coming years.
That's why the organisation has teamed up with the Ministry of Health for this year's Diabetes Awareness Week. The theme for 2010 is focussing on simple eating and excersising tips to 'stay sweet as', and there are a number of activities around the country to promote the week.
Diabetes is a growing concern in modern society, the symptoms are not always obvious and it is widely undiagnosed. Diabetes Awareness Week is a valuable opportunity for the wider community to learn more about simple lifestyle choices that can be made to reduce the risk of developing diabetes and take time out to seek professional advice if you are diagnosed or concerned about your health.
Health Minister, Tony Ryall
diabetes new zealand diet and exercise tips:
Food Dos:
- Make a plan. It’s the best way to avoid that ‘grab-a-snack’ thing that happens when you are hungry
- Fruit and veggies are great. Remember 5+ a day?
- Bread and cereals are great to fill you up, but remember whole grain is best - and avoid sugary cereals.
Food Don'ts
- Fruit juice can have almost as much sugar as fizzy soft drinks. Water is best if you're thirsty.
- Chocolates, lollies and other treats aren't great. Keep them really occasional.
- Know your food labels and know what they mean. Even when labels say 'lite', it's worth checking the back to make sure they're less than 10% fat
Excercise Dos
- Go for a walk. It doesn't need to be far. Even once around the block will get things pumping
- Make friends with the stairs. Whenever there's an option, stairs are a good way to go
- Set easy goals, make a plan and stick to it. It's easier to do things if you've written them down
- Join a club. It doesn't need to be a Rugby League. Find a walking club, dancing, swimming, even amateur theatre will keep you active.
- Aim for 30 minutes exercise a day, why not make it a family occasion (60 minutes for the kids). But it doesn’t have to be all at once. 10 minutes in the morning, 10 at lunchtime and a quick walk in the evening. Done!
Head to www.staysweetas.co.nz to try out the sweet-o-meter and see what your risk of diabetes is.
