Lions Club International District 410W did diabetes screening and awareness training at the Mitchell’s Plain School of Skills in Rocklands on Wednesday November 6 to mark Diabetes Awareness Month.
Their Lions clubs aims to screen 26 000 pupils and teachers by March 2020.
The campaign aims to reduce the prevalence of diabetes by increasing awareness of the risk factors, to identify individuals who are undiagnosed or at risk of diabetes and to improve the quality of life of those diagnosed.
Conducting the screening were Beryl Simpson, the co-ordinator of the district’s diabetes awareness project and members from various Lions clubs, including Mitchell’s Plain, Brackenfell, Gordon’s Bay as well as retired professional nurses.
The Mitchell’s Plain Lions Club also joined with Strandfontein Diabetes Support Group for a 3km and 5km Diabetes Awareness Walk-a-thon on Saturday November 9 in Mosquito Road at the Rehoboth Community Life Centre in Rocklands.
More than 100 people took part in the walk-a-thon, which started with a warm-up session by Zumba dance facilitator and Mitchell’s Plain Lions Club president, Bevil Lakay.
They did blood glucose and blood pressure testing at the event and the children enjoyed various fun activities.
For more information about Mitchell’s Plain Lions Club, email Mitchellsplainlionsclub@gmail.com
All high schools who would like to have diabetes screening, can contact Beryl on 083 768 9684 or email simpsonberyl@ymail.com They are available to conduct screening before the schools close for the year.