World Diabetes Day a Reminder of the Importance of Healthy Living

Today is World Diabetes Day and a reminder to residents about the importance of adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and all chronic disease. Individuals who eat healthy, engage in regular physical activity, and live smoke-free are more likely to achieve optimal health and well-being.

“Our government is very aware of the increased rates of diabetes throughout the province, and country, and continues to undertake several initiatives not only to promote health and wellness, but to provide programs and services to manage and prevent chronic disease,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Our provincial policy framework for chronic disease management and prevention, released late last year, complements these initiatives and will guide our government over the next several years as we work to manage and prevent chronic disease in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Improving Health Together: A Policy Framework for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management in Newfoundland and Labrador provides a comprehensive and coordinated approach that considers the common issues and needs of those living with or at risk for chronic disease, and is guided by six core policies: self-management, prevention and awareness, health care delivery, practice guidelines, information systems and research, and community action.

The Provincial Government has recently established a self-management program for individuals throughout the province living with a chronic disease. Improving Health: My Way is a free, six-week program that is offered by each of the four regional health authorities. The workshops are hosted by trained leaders and run for two and a half hours a week.

“Individuals who take an active role in the daily management of their health conditions generally experience better health and a better quality of life,” said Minister Sullivan. “People living with a chronic disease who would like to better manage their own health are strongly encouraged to register for this program. It has helped many people to improve their health and live healthier lives, and it can help others too.”

The Provincial Government invests annually over $2.1 million to support the Insulin Pump Therapy Program, and $500,000 to the regional health authorities to deliver the Improving Health: My Way self-management program. Approximately $478,000 was invested for the expansion of the Janeway Lifestyles Program, which provides services for children identified as having risk factors for chronic disease. In addition, over the past two years, the Canadian Diabetes Association has received $86,200 to hold workplace clinics to identify people at risk for diabetes and to complete a jurisdictional scan of national diabetes policies and programs to help guide service delivery in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
JenniferTulk@gov.nl.ca

2012 11 14             9:45 a.m.