Get active during National Diabetes Week

The Shepparton Sports Stadium will be offering Come and Try Sessions and Aquamoves will be offering free fitness assessments.

Aquamoves have 50 free fitness assessments on offer to the community, each valued at $42.50.

Greater Shepparton Mayor Michael Polan said Council was encouraging people to join in with the range of free activities on offer.

"Council is coordinating the free 12-week lifestyle modification program, Beat It, which encourages people to engage in physical activity and live a healthy lifestyle as part of the Get Mooving Greater Shepparton project," Cr Polan said.
Developed by the Australian Diabetes Council BEAT IT is suitable for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome or anyone else looking to become more active in a safe and supported environment. So far 80 people have completed the program and have incorporated the learnings from the Beat It Program into their daily life.

National Diabetes Week promotes the key message "Let's prevent diabetes". Diabetes Australia is calling on governments to do more to prevent type 2 diabetes and are looking for community members to add their voice to the campaign by visiting http://www.letspreventdiabetes.org.au/

Council's Healthy Communities Coordinator Belinda Conna said that people at risk of developing type two diabetes can delay and even prevent this disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

"Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, making healthy food choices, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels and abstaining from smoking are the key steps," Ms Conna said.

Participants starting a new exercise program or have diabetes related concerns are encouraged to visit their GP.

To take advantage of the free fitness assessments or participate in the free BEAT IT program contact Council's Healthy Communities Coordinator Belinda Conna on (03) 5832 9432 or for more information about the stadium's come and try sessions, contact the Shepparton Sports Stadium on (03) 5832 9480.

Shepparton Sports Stadium come and try sessions

Tuesday July 10
Keen-Agers Recreational Table Tennis
9.00am - 10.30am
Play table tennis just for the fun of it! All levels of ability welcome.

Strength Training
11.30am - 12.30pm
A range of exercises and activities to increase confidence, balance and strength.

Wednesday July 11
Social Badminton
9.30am - 11.00am
Casual badminton games for a variety of abilities.

Tai Chi
11.30am - 12.30pm
Gentle exercises and breathing that will relax your body and mind.

Thursday July 12
Self Defence
9.30am - 10.30am
Learn self defence and stay fit and healthy at the same time.

Back in the Game
9.30am - 10.30am
Fun and active games and modified sports to keep you healthy.

Friday July 13
Lifeball
9.30am - 10.30am
A walking ball game based on netball and basketball which has been modified for Older Adults.

Diabetes information

Physical activity is ranked second only to tobacco control in being the most important factor in health promotion and disease prevention in Australia.

Participation in physical activity is recognised as an important factor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, some musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health conditions.

Diabetes Australia Victoria statistics demonstrate 5.3 per cent of Greater Shepparton residents are living with diabetes and 3.9 new cases are diagnosed each week.

Regular exercise is beneficial for everybody including those living with diabetes or those at risk of diabetes.

Victorian Population Health Survey results for 2008 demonstrate 38.1 per cent of the Greater Shepparton community are not meeting the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines. Adults need to undertake at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on most days, preferably all days of the week.

- Released 10 July 2012