Organised by pharmacist at North Orange Discount Drug Store Tim Denham, the expo will for the first time, bring dieticians, exercise physiologists, optometrists, pharmacists and diabetes educators together in one place to discuss and give advice about diabetes.
Mr Denham said he felt compelled to host the event to raise awareness of Australia’s fastest growing chronic disease and to ensure local people diagnosed with diabetes had a comprehensive understanding of their condition and its potentially deadly risks if not managed properly.
“It is estimated that the total number of Australians with diabetes and pre-diabetes is 3.2 million, meaning that even if a person isn’t affected by the condition, they most likely know someone who is,” he said. “It’s therefore absolutely vital that everyone is educated about diabetes and understands the symptoms, risks and how to manage the disease.”
Causing severe health complications when not managed properly including vision impairment, heart disease and kidney disease, Mr Denham continues stating that the event will show diabetics how to take a more holistic approach to their treatment.
“Diabetes management is not just about blood sugar control,” he said. “It’s also about living a healthy lifestyle so exercising regularly and eating properly. That’s why I’ve invited health practitioners from many different fields to present at the expo.”
Running in conjunction with National Diabetes Week (July 14-20), the event will include exercise demonstrations with exercise physiologist Kate Butler, meal planning with dietician Emma Gardiner and one on one consultations with diabetes educator Wayne Burgess, optometrist Jake Hansen and with Mr Denham himself.
“I want people to walk away at the end of the day not just with a greater understanding about diabetes and the tools and treatments needed to manage the condition but with a new perspective on the disease,” said Mr Denham, “because I think once people see how easy the treatments and lifestyle changes are and how beneficial they are to not only their condition but to their overall wellbeing, they’ll have a brighter outlook of having diabetes.”
A pro-active young pharmacist who is deeply invested in his local community, Mr Denham has been the manager and pharmacist at North Orange Discount Drug Store since it opened in late 2011.
It is through his initiative that the major diabetes expo, which is set to be the largest event of its kind in Orange, came to fruition.
“I did a call around to see what or if other health providers in the community were doing anything to mark National Diabetes Week,” Mr Denham explained. “When I realised nothing was happening I decided to put something together but I never imagined it would be a big as this. I was overwhelmed with the positive response I had from everyone I asked to be involved. I hope it’s going to be a really beneficial event.”
The diabetes expo will be held at North Orange Shopping Centre on Wednesday July 17 from 10am to 4pm and will be free for all residents. There will be diabetic friendly giveaways, as well as a live yoga session from Integra and taste tests of Medical Vita Diet’s latest shakes.
Mr Denham will also be taking bookings for attendees to come back to North Orange Discount Drug Store for free, personalised Meds Check appointments.
Media Enquiries: Suzanne Ross at Graymedia on 07 3250 9406, 0488 441 589 or email s.ross@graymedia.com.au
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