North End residents learn of risk for diabetes at health fair on Saturday
The information session is part of the Canadian Diabetes Association's Core Neighbourhood Program
A number of people in Winnipeg's North End are better aware of their risks for developing diabetes following the second annual summer health fair and healthy barbecue, hosted by the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA).
The gathering took place on Saturday at the North Centennial Recreation Facility on Sinclair Street. There, community members had access to free diabetes risk assessments and information about resources that may help them manage that risk.
According to the CDA's public programs and services coordinator, Laryssa Sawchuk, informing people about their risk is vital because the disease is on the rise.
"There are a number of people affected … 121,000 people in Manitoba … and it's growing," she said.
The health fair started with a blessing from an elder and featured various booths from resources that are easily available to those living in the North End. There was also an "ask the expert" station.
The information session is part of the CDA's Core Neighbourhood Program, which provides support and education to communities that are at high risk for diabetes.
with files from Travis Golby