– DSA National Office Diabetes Month Activities –
Auto Italia/Eastvaal Motors Mpumalanga Diabetes Screening and Wellness Event (14 November). This is a new diabetes wellness group that national office assisted with. On their first meeting, over 250 people were screened and 16 of those had high blood glucose levels and referred to see a doctor.
Bosmont Randburg Diabetes Wellness and Support Group Event (25 November 2023). DSA national office assisted.
– DSA Western Cape News –
Diabetes South Africa Western Cape screened 894 people for blood glucose and blood pressure during the month of November.
Diabetes Month Activities
- St. Andrews Church and DSA Diabetes Day Event (28 October).
- Academy Private School Denim for Diabetes Awareness Event – Kuilsriver, Cape Town (7 November).
- Dr TD Khoza Medical Practice, Ulundi Support Group Event, Northern KZN (11 & 12 November.)
- Pick ‘n Pay Head Office Diabetes Screening Day and Wellness Event (14 November).
- Pick ‘n Pay Hypermarket Brackenfell Diabetes Day Screening and Wellness Event (14 November).
- ETV News Interview Saturday (28 November 2023 – 1.30pm)
- Daily Maverick Interview (9 November 2023)
- Radio 702 Interview (27 November 2023 8.15pm – 9pm)
Engen Head Office Diabetes Wellness Three-Day Screening and Awareness Event (31 October – 2 November).
Western Cape Wellness Event Bonteheuwel Community Centre, Cape Town (14 November).
Makro Montague Gardens Testing and Screening Shoppers and Staff (10 & 11 November).
Delft Community Health Centre Diabetes Day Testing and Screening and Diabetes Talks (15 November).
District Six Diabetes Awareness and Health Promotion (17 November).
World Diabetes Day
DSA Mitchells Plain Support Group celebrated Word Diabetes Day by shared literature and vegetables to the community of Mitchells Plain.
Surfs Up Penguin Camp
We had a wonderful Youth Type 1 Diabetes Warriors Camp 20 – 22 October 2023at Cape Times Fresh Air Camp site in Simon’s Town.
The children were full of smiles and happy faces and it was so good to have their eager participation and responses to our varied programme.
The activities are designed to help them learn more about managing their diabetes and give them encouragement and support on their life’s journey with Type 1 diabetes.
The programme included many learning experiences but also lots of fun and games, and opportunities to make friends with others facing the same challenges.
Some of the feedback received from parents of children who attended our camp:
“Thanks for the amazing camp you arranged and that my daughter participated in this past weekend. She cannot stop talking about how fantastic it was and was at one point teary last night, saying she misses her fellow warriors. She showed us all the amazing prizes and donations she received. She says she also learnt a lot and I was not worried one second as a mom, knowing there was a doctor, five nurses and experienced team leaders who even tested her during the usual night checks. Thank you to all who played a part in this awesome event”
“I was extremely anxious not knowing if my son was alright but seeing his face when he got out the transport bus was priceless. He cannot stop talking about the wonderful time he had. His first words when I greeted him were I’m so going back next year! He shared all the materials he received, so have lots of reading to do. Thank you for taking such good care of them and making it a memorable time.”
A big thank you to Aquellé for financial sponsorship and water for our very successful recent camp. We would also like to make mention of the Lions District 410w for their sponsorship of some children, and transport to and from the camp.
Donations in kind were received from Pharmaco, Futurelife, Dentsu Creative, Caring Candies, Delite Foods, Jonathan Ball Publishers, Nomu and Shoprite.
DSA camps for children with Type 1 diabetes would not be possible without the support of these generous sponsors and donors.
Zumba
Zumba instructor, Tammy, volunteered her time and sessions at our Surfs Up Camp.
– DSA Port Elizabeth News –
The last few weeks have been busy with diabetes activities in Port Elizabeth.
Global Diabetes Walk in Port Elizabeth
The Global Diabetes Walk is a global diabetes awareness campaign organised every year in November by the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF).
Our walk in Port Elizabeth was held on 25 November along our beach front and was enjoyed by young and old. Many of the younger ones ran all the way, while the others enjoyed the scenery and the fellowship of the other participants.
The mobile clinic from the Health Department tested the blood glucose and blood pressure of many participants.
Our thanks are extended to everyone who participated, to the various sponsors as without their support we would have been unable to have the Walk, to Michael Zoetmulder and his team at Zsports for their efficient and friendly organisation, and to Megan Soanes our excellent walk co-ordinator and fundraiser.
All who completed the walk received a medal and a bottle of refreshing aQuellé water. Many lucky draw prizes were awarded at the prize giving ceremony. Martin Prinsloo, National Chairman of Diabetes SA, was invited to present the prizes after he had completed the walk and defended, and kept, his title of being the oldest competitor to complete the 5km walk.
– DSA Pretoria News –
September Wellness Support Group meeting
On 16 September, biokineticist, Jani Esterhuizen, explained to the the benefits of exercise which has been proven to be an effective strategy to manage diabetes.
We were informed that regular participation in exercise improves blood glucose levels, prevents and delays the onset of Type 2 diabetes and maintains numerous cardiovascular improvements. It has been found that walking, running, swimming, dancing and strength training are amongst the most effective and appropriate exercises to perform. Daily participation of approximately 30 minutes of exercise at a prescribed intensity from your health professional is recommended.
October Wellness Support Group meeting
On 21 October, Louise Pywell, a diabetes nurse educator, empowered the attending members. It was an incredibly fun day filled with lots of learning, games and laughter. She used games as a fun and interactive way to learn about diabetes. A big thanks to Sr Louise and everyone for joining us on the day.
Wellness Day
In efforts to create awareness and share information about diabetes, the Diabetes South Africa Pretoria Branch participated in a Wellness Day event organised by the Competition Commission of South Africa Workforce on 27 October. Volunteer, Helen van Niekerk and Liz Midlane manned the table.
Diabetes Awareness Month
The 1st of November marked the beginning of Diabetes Awareness Month and the Midrand Lions Club invited Alan and Sister Louise, a diabetes educator to chat about diabetes on the Lions Roar segment on Mix 93.8 FM.
Alan spoke from a diabetes patient perspective and Sr Louise shared advice on lifestyle management. DSA was mentioned as well as the various monthly support group meetings. It was an hour chat that went by so quickly. It was a great way to kick off Diabetes month.
RAMCAT is a Pretoria Diabetes Wellness Group for men in wheelchairs and amputees which DSA national Office assisted with sponsored memberships and literature. They had their first meeting on 24 September 2023.RAMCAT is going to hold ongoing meetings with assistance from DSA and we trust one will be a fishing event in 2024.
