Are you a cannidate for Type II Diabetes?

Luncheon Speaker: Brenda Richards was introduced by Rob Saunders. She came from Stratford Ontario 2 years ago & loves our town but agrees that our winter takes a bit of getting used to, especially when compared to Stratford! She is a Certified Diabetes educator and a registered dietitian, who came to work here in Huntsville as a resource person of the Family Health Team for a team of Doctors on a wide range of health care subjects as a result of a 2011 Ministry of Health long care program that was to last for 2 years but now it has been expended for another year to March 2014. Brenda is located at the Wellness Centre in the Summit Centre; her office represents a wide range of health related topics for our whole population; pop in and have a visit!

Brenda spoke to us regarding the “Primary Care Diabetes Prevention Program” which she has been promoting since her arrival; speaking to several Rotarians, they have already taken the 21 week program or are presently in it. Participants learn how they can make changes in their lives and eating habits so they delay Type II Diabetes that is sweeping through the population by 3 to 6 years and hopefully for life. Brenda commented that the plan is not easy but the issue of getting diabetes, really changes your life!  Ministry of Health goals of the educational program are to lose 7% of body weight and do 150 minutes per week of exercise. Brenda suggested that we should ask our doctor to check our blood sugar level, as we cannot know if we are a candidate for Type II Diabetics until we know that number.    

Comments of participants of the program: they have more energy; Brenda is good at explaining my situation; she has such a positive attitude that I want to succeed; I’ve lost 26 pounds and I walk every morning and feel great; I have to go out and buy new smaller clothes; helps me in looking and choosing foods, their quantity and what activity must I now do to stay on my plan!!  

Call Brenda at 705 789 5986 @ The Wellness Hub in the Summit Centre or email: Brenda.Richards@MAHC.ca.