Diabetes walk and health screening this Saturday

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18: Bermuda Diabetes Association is holding its annual Friends & Family Circle Walk tomorrow, to mark Diabetes Month 2011.

The walk will take place at 8:45am at the Bulls Head Car Park in Hamilton, taking a circular route with an expected walking time of one hour.

Goodie bags will be provided to the first 100 participants to sign-up. Walkers can register at Bulls Head from 8:15am onwards.

This year Argus Insurance Company has once more provided sponsorship.

Alison Hill, CEO of the Argus Group, said: “As diabetes is one of the biggest killers on the island and Argus is one of Bermuda’s leading health insurance providers, raising awareness of this disease, including its symptoms and how to prevent it, is at the top of our community agenda.”

The walk will begin with a warm-up session with Dr Don Peden of The Olympic Club at 8:30am. Following the walk, participants can take part in a free health-screening event, Victory over Diabetes, from 9:30am.

Blood sugar, blood pressure and other screenings will be available, along with weight management and dietary advice.

Kuni Frith-Black, executive director of Bermuda Diabetes Association, said: “Diabetes is all too common in Bermuda and a serious threat to the quality of life for so many. This event helps us to meet our objectives in terms of understanding diabetes and increasing public knowledge of the disease.

“We rely heavily upon the public for their volunteer services and financial contributions to run our many programmes, so we hope to see lots of people, of all ages and backgrounds, coming together on Saturday to support us.”

The Friends & Family Circle Walk is part of a full calendar of events organized by Bermuda Diabetes Association to mark Diabetes Month.

Throughout November, there will be donation buckets positioned island-wide and the charity will be working to increase membership and raise awareness of lifestyle changes that can prevent diabetes.

For more information, contact Bermuda Diabetes Association at 297-8427.