SIDNEY — Motivating people to choose healthy eating options is the main theme of a Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) event in Sidney this weekend.
On Saturday, Sept. 24, the CDA opens its national Expo Victoria. This free event is at the Mary Winspear Centre. The headline speaker at this event is Dr. Ali Zentner, medical director of the Vancouver Island Bariatric Program at Royal Jubilee Hospital, author and television host. Topics of the keynote discussion will include motivation and healthy eating.
“The CDA Expo Victoria is for anyone who wants to learn more about healthy living and for those who want to make a lifestyle change,” says Zentner. “Our goal is to empower attendees with the information they need to take that next step to live better and to live well.”
In addition to Dr. Zentner, CDA Expo Victoria will feature Dr. Bruce Verchere, PhD (a type 1 diabetes researcher) and Chef David Mincey who will explore the topic Chocolate and Diabetes: too much of a good thing? He will be joined by diabetes educator and comedian Sue Schaefer RN, also known as Mrs. Pudding.
People attending the expo can meet one-on-one with health experts, enjoy a diabetes-related trade show, nutrition break and can take part in health screenings such as a foot care check, blood pressure clinic and CANRISK assessment.
“We are excited to be hosting one of the CDA’s 10 national expos in Victoria this year,” said Julie Knisley, regional director for British Columbia and the Yukon at the CDA.
“With diabetes reaching epidemic proportions across Canada and with an estimated 463,000 people in this province living with the disease, it is important to provide the community with tools and education to potentially prevent diabetes. Day-to-day demands can make it hard to find time to prepare healthy meals. Our Expo aims to provide attendees with tips on how to fit healthy eating into hectic schedules.”
While the event — 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday — is free, pre-registration is required. There will be a special accessibility feature for those who are deaf or hard of hearing with sign interpreters and captioning for each speaker presentation.
Registration and detailed information about the Expo can be found at diabetes.ca/expo or by calling 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
— Submitted by the CDA