WOLFVILLE, NOVA SCOTIA (April 25, 2012) –  The Canadian Diabetes Association, in partnership with Acadia University and the Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia, is excited to announce the launch of the new Building Competency in Diabetes Education: Physical Activity and Exercise resource manual for diabetes care providers.

This resource, which includes an instructional video and five pamphlets, was developed by Acadia University’s Drs. Jonathon Fowles and Chris Shields and video producer Dave Sheehan. Physical activity and exercise are recognized as key components of effective diabetes self-management with regular physical activity shown to reduce diabetes-related complications and the need for medication.

A special workshop has been designed to help diabetes care providers upgrade their knowledge on exercise prescription in diabetes clinical practice. “The purpose of the workshop is to review recent evidence on diabetes, exercise and obesity management,” states Dr. Fowles. “This will be an interactive session filled with helpful tips and physical activity demonstrations.”

The Canadian Diabetes Association’s Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend all individuals with diabetes accumulate a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic exercise each week and encourage resistance training three times per week.

“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things for diabetes management,” says Lisa Matte, Regional Director, Canadian Diabetes Association, Nova Scotia. “Providing diabetes care providers with useful strategies for incorporating physical activity into a management plan is extremely valuable for people living with diabetes.”

“This invaluable resource is an outcome of collaboration among faculty, students and staff at Acadia University to make a difference in the lives of Canadians with diabetes,” says Dr. Tom Herman, Acadia’s Vice-President, Academic. “It is a great example of connecting research to community in a real and tangible way with immediate benefits.” 

The April 27^th workshop marks the start of a cross-Canada tour for Drs. Fowles and Shields who will introduce the new Physical Activity and Exercise resource manual for diabetes care providers.

To view a video about the resource, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3kuoPj8Cdk&list=UU7oamlsejAYIg8YH7f9YpPw&index=1&feature=plpp_video

For more information on the tool kit or to attend the workshop, please contact katie.hutchinson@diabetes.ca

Diabetes in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Diabetes Cost Model estimates that 87,000 people in the province have been diagnosed with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes – representing approximately nine per cent of the population.  By 2020, that number is expected to reach 125,000 or 12.2 per cent of the population.  The current and projected prevalence rates are well above the national average, and are the second highest in the country.

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About the Canadian Diabetes Association
Across the country, the Canadian Diabetes Association is leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure.  Our community-based network of supporters help us provide education and services to people living with diabetes, advocate for our cause, break ground towards a cure and translate research into practical applications.  Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation, follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).

About Acadia University
Acadia University, in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, has long been recognized as one of Canada’s premier post-secondary institutions. With its nationally and internationally recognized undergraduate and graduate research initiatives, small classes and technology-rich teaching and learning environment, Acadia offers students an experience that includes academic achievement combined with personal growth and development. Acadia also offers distance learning, certificate programs, language training and other university extension programs through Open Acadia. For more information about AcadiaUniversity, visit www.acadiau.ca. 

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Katie Ostler

Communications Associate, Ontario

Canadian Diabetes Association

katie.ostler@diabetes.ca

Office: (416)408-7088

Cell: (416)407-2177

 

Sherri Turner

Communications and Marketing

AcadiaUniversity

sherri.turner@acadiau.ca

Office: (902) 585-1362

Cell: (902) 698-2977