The FSIN Leads By Example And Takes Steps To Improve Diabetes Awareness

Media Release
FSIN Communications Unit

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2010

(Saskatoon, Sk) November is Diabetes awareness month and the FSIN kicked the month off with all FSIN Executive and Staff members taking part in a Diabetes Risk Assessment Event, which entails a glucose test, waist measurement, blood pressure test and family history analysis. The FSIN marked the event by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canadian Diabetes Association on First Nations and Diabetes in Saskatchewan.“The goal of the MOU is to help improve the health and well being of First Nations with diabetes by creating more awareness, promoting better self care, and working towards culturally safe practices” says FSIN Vice-Chief E.Dutch Lerat. “First Nations people are 3 to 5 times more likely than the general population to develop type 2 diabetes.”

“We are committed to reaching out with the necessary resources for individuals to make informed decisions about their health,” emphasizes Warren Wagner, Saskatchewan’s Regional Director, Canadian Diabetes Association.

According the Canadian Diabetes Association, close to 70, 000 people (1 in 14) are affected by diabetes, and those numbers are quickly rising in Saskatchewan. In Canada, there are more than 9 million Canadians living with Diabetes or pre Diabetes. The cost of Diabetes in Canada is approximately $12.2 billion and it’s expected to rise by another $4.7 billion dollars by 2010.

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, the protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

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For More Information Please Contact:
Cherish Francis, Communication Officer
Direct: 306.956.1026
Cell: 306.220.7187
Facsimile: 306.665.0115