AFN Launches Fitness Challenge on National Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness Day

OTTAWA, May 1 On May 1, 2009, National Aboriginal Diabetes Awareness Day, the Assembly of First Nations is calling on teachers for help in organizing this year’s Fitness Challenge which is aimed at First Nations students. The goal of the fitness challenge is to raise awareness about the positive relationship between diabetes and healthy living.AFN Regional Chief Angus Toulouse and AFN Women’s Council Chair Kathleen McHugh felt it was especially important to target First Nations youth in this year’s challenge.

“We hope this challenge will help to raise awareness about diabetes among our children and youth in a fun and dynamic way,” said AFN Regional Chief Angus Toulouse, who holds the portfolio for health. “We’re seeing very young children diagnosed with this disease in our communities. The average age of diagnosis is 11 years old, according to the First Nation’s Regional Longitudinal Health Survey. It’s important to empower youth with knowledge about healthy living.”

“Obesity is a contributing factor to diabetes. Healthy eating and exercise can help control risks associated with diabetes,” said AFN Women Council Chair Kathleen McHugh. “This challenge represents one way that educators and leadership can work together to teach youth about the positive relationship between exercise and diabetes.”

The challenge will start on October 14, 2009 and run for one month, wrapping up on November 14th, World Diabetes Day. Students are encouraged to participate in teams and to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, in ten minute intervals. This can include sports, or activities as simple as walking or dancing. Top performers and top teams will have their names entered into a draw, and winners will be announced in December. Contest rules, information about prizes and other details will be posted on the AFN website by the end of May. This information is also available by contacting the AFN.

Aerobic exercise and resistance exercise can help people with diabetes better control their blood sugar levels, by burning fat and glucose. Diabetics are also in a high-risk group for heart disease and stroke and exercise can help reduce the risk.

Diabetes is 3 to 5 times more common among First Nations than the general population. Almost all families are touched by the disease, either directly, or through friends and neighbours. Many First Nations children and youth are at high risk of developing diabetes due to a lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and obesity.

The AFN is recommending that participants consult a physician before starting a new fitness program. Participants do not have to be diabetic to take part. The Fitness Challenge is open to all.

This is the AFN’s second Fitness Challenge. Last year’s Fitness Challenge targeted leadership. More than 40 teams participated across the country with team sizes ranging from 5 to 10 members and ages ranging from 10 to 80 years old. By targeting students this year’s challenge seeks to pass the torch from leadership to youth.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations in Canada.

For further information: Karyn Pugliese, Health Communications, (613) 292-1877, kpugliese@afn.ca