News Release
For Immediate Release
November 10, 2011
(CALGARY, ALBERTA) - On behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, today announced funding for the Calgary Urban Project Society and Hypertension Canada under the Canadian Diabetes Strategy.
“The work being undertaken by these organizations will improve the lives of people most at risk of developing diabetes and help those with diabetes learn how to manage their condition, said MP Devinder Shory. “These two projects being funded under the Canadian Diabetes Strategy will greatly benefit our community.”
“People living in poverty in Calgary are at risk for diabetes. The roadmap to a healthy lifestyle includes physical activity programs and healthy eating seminars,” said Ingrid Meeuwisse, Nurse Practitioner with CUPS Health and Education Centres. “This much-needed support from the federal government will help us deliver a diabetes management program to those members of the community who most need our help.”
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Canada and affects approximately two million Canadians. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases in Canada. It can often be prevented or delayed with regular physical activity, healthy eating and by maintaining a healthy weight. If not managed properly, diabetes can lead to serious complications like heart disease and stroke, blindness, chronic kidney disease, nervous system damage, and amputation.
“We are very pleased to receive this funding that will help us promote a diabetes and blood pressure management program targeted to low income seniors, said Dr. Charlotte Jones, Hypertension Canada and the LIBIN cardiovascular institute of Calgary. Staying healthy is important, both for older adults and society. The prevention and control of high blood pressure will go a long way in helping to foster the good health of our seniors.”
Today's announcement is part of the funding for diabetes projects across Canada announced by Minister Aglukkaq on November 1, 2011. Current projects funded under the Canadian Diabetes Strategy address screening, early detection and management of diabetes, as well as the prevention of secondary complications from the disease, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the health of Canadians. For more information on diabetes or healthy living, please visit www.publichealth.gc.ca. A Fact Sheet with more information on the funded projects is attached.
Media Inquiries
Health Canada
Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Media Relations
Public Health Agency of Canada
(613) 941-8189
