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News - New Brunswick
Over $1.5 million diabetes prevention and management collaboration announced in New Brunswick
Canadian Diabetes Association, Medavie Health Foundation and the New Brunswick Department of Health team up to support community approach to diabetes prevention and self-management
WOODSTOCK, NEW BRUNSWICK (November 19, 2012) – Several communities in New Brunswick will be the first to reap the benefits of an innovative collaboration between the Canadian Diabetes Association, Medavie Health Foundation and the New Brunswick Department of Health. Supported by over $1.5 million in partnership funding, Live Well! /Bien Vivre! will focus on wellness strategies that emphasize healthy eating, active living and mental resiliency.
Live Well!/Bien Vivre! uses a community approach for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes. Its suite of programs, designed by experts at the Canadian Diabetes Association, support healthy eating and physical activity as a preventative measure against diabetes and its complications. Trained Health Coaches will act as mentors in each community, using one-on-one interaction to help people identify and achieve their personalized wellness goals. Live Well!/Bien Vivre! is set to officially launch in the communities of Acadian Peninsula, Edmundston, Miramichi, Moncton, Saint John and Woodstock in November.
Diabetes in New Brunswick is expected to rise from 70,000 people in 2012 to 128,000 people by 2032. These rates are well above the national average. Obesity is a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. In New Brunswick, 63 percent of adults aged 18 and older and 24 percent of children and youth aged 12-17 are overweight or obese.
“Live Well! Bien Vivre! aligns with the Comprehensive Diabetes Strategy for New Brunswick,” said Premier David Alward. “I am pleased that our government can be part of this collaboration to promote healthy habits that prevent diabetes as well as provide support for those managing their diabetes to lessen the impact of the disease. I encourage individuals to take part in the Live Well! /Bien Vivre! initiatives.”
“Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions among the Canadian population, with the highest rates here in Atlantic Canada. It is critical that we work together to help bring positive, sustainable change at the community level,” said President and CEO, Canadian Diabetes Association, Michael Cloutier. “This distinct partnership with Medavie Health Foundation and the New Brunswick Department of Health will bridge gaps and empower individuals through self-care programs and mentoring - key components to sparking behavioural changes necessary to maintain a healthier lifestyle.”
“This collaborative partnership takes a unique, community-based approach to disease prevention and healthy living. It has the potential to serve as a model in helping communities across the region achieve their wellness goals,” added Ruth Rappini, Vice-President, Medavie Health Foundation. “Live Well!/ Bien Vivre! is focused on the prevention and self-management of type 2 diabetes, which is aligned with our goal of supporting initiatives aimed at developing a culture of wellness and encouraging individuals to live healthy, active lifestyles.
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Diabetes in Canada
Nearly one in four Canadians has diabetes or prediabetes, a condition that, if left unchecked, puts you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. More than 20 people are diagnosed with the disease every hour of every day. Diabetes also threatens the economic prosperity of our nation, costing our healthcare system $11.7 billion annually – a number that is projected to rise to $16 billion by 2020. However, as much as diabetes is impacting the Canadian healthcare system, it is shortening people’s lives by 5 to 15 years.
About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease, advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure. Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
About Medavie Health Foundation
The Medavie Health Foundation is funded by Medavie Blue Cross and our partner, Medavie EMS, as part of a long-term commitment to make a lasting impact in the communities where our employees and customers live and work. The Foundation is focused on two core causes of particular concern to Canadians – child and youth mental health and type 2 diabetes. It aims to bring organizations and communities together through collaborative multi-year partnerships and to support grassroots, community-based initiatives through an annual grants program. For more information, visit us at http://www.medaviehealthfoundation.ca. Follow us on Twitter: @MedavieFdn
As a not-for-profit organization, Medavie Blue Cross is proud to commit an annual social dividend of 10 per cent of our net income to the Medavie Health Foundation.
For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Canadian Diabetes Association
Sherry Calder, Senior Manager, Regional Communications
902-221-1162
Medavie Health Foundation
Joanne Elliott, Community Relations Advisor
902-266-9287
New Brunswick Department of Health
Melanie Sivret, Communications
506-444-3821
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