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24 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 23, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Physical activity as a diabetes treatment option D iabetes screening, prevention and physical activity in young people were the topics of dis- cussion at a recent interactive workshop attended by local area physicians. Held recently at the Halton Regional FREE DAILY SERVICE Morning and afternoon departures To Fallsview Casino *After $10 Casino Rebate * BUFFET LUNCH EVERY WEDNESDAY Fallsview Morning & Afternoon from Hopedale Mall Mid Day Departures $10 pp EVERY SUN, TUES, CASINO THURS, FRI & SAT NIAGARA Guelph Line, North Service Road From & Sundays $10 Tuesdays Carpool Lot Includes Buffet Lunch Minimum 5- hour stay required. Valid government-issued photo identification and Players Advantage Club Card required to redeem offers. Offers subject to change without notice. Offers cannot be combined/substituted. Must be 19 years of age or older to board coaches bound for Fallsview Casino Resort. Void where prohibited. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL Departures from Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville & Stoney Creek 1-800-838-1789 168 CLARENCE ST., PORT COLBORNE, ON, L3K 3G5 Taxes included on all trips. T.I.C.O. #50007535 Centre, the workshop was hosted by the Halton Active Living Network (HALNet), a not-for-profit network of organizations and individuals dedicated to encouraging the adoption of an active lifestyle in Halton. HALNet chose to present the topics together as they require an increase in physical activity in their treatment options. Also, type 2 diabetes is now becoming a concern for children and youths. "Studies show type 2 diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide," said Dr. Jim Faught, who facilitated the session. "The aim of the diabetes workshop was to increase participants' understanding of the role of physical activity in the treatment of diabetes and encourage the exchange of information useful for investigation, diagnosis, and understanding of the range of treatment options. Screening and diagnosing for pre-diabetes allows for a window of opportunity to intervene and delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes in patients," said Faught. Pre-diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are near, but not quite at the level of those of someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. Pre-diabetes can also have serious health consequences. The good news is that lifestyle and diet changes can have a positive impact. The physicians who attended the Diabetes: Screen and Prevention for Type 2 workshop discussed effective lifestyle counseling, noting even small changes can have substantial benefits. Increasing physical activity levels may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in children. The Physical Activity for Children and Youth workshop highlighted the growing awareness of health benefits by patients, followed by the opportunity for behavioral change. "Physicians are continually challenged to identify effective and practical strategies to encourage ongoing participation in physically active pursuits," said Faught, a family doctor specially trained and experienced as a facilitator. The afternoon provided an opportunity for networking between the HALNet members and the physicians. Representatives from the YMCA, While You Wait..., Halton Hills, Cedar Spring Raquetball Club, and Living Well Pilates provided information on their community health services. Funding for this event was provided by the Choices 4 Health Network, and the Halton Region Health Department. Written by The Foundation for Medical Practice Education, the program is accredited by The College of Family Physicians (CFPC) and eligible for CFPC credits. Because of the success of this first workshop, more physician workshops are being scheduled. For information, contact Mary German, Chair, Physicians Workshops, HALNet, 905-847-0707. Choices 4 Health is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, community partners and the Halton Region Health Department. The Choices 4 Health Network is a community coalition of over 250 individuals and organizations working together to create a Halton in which people achieve optimum health by choosing opportunities for healthy eating, physical activity, good mental health and smoke-free living. -- Submitted by Choices 4 Health I lost 100 pounds! Customized Healthy Eating and Exercise Program! With Our Team of Experts: Medical Doctor, Nutritionist & Personal Trainer. NO pills NO gimmicks NO medication NO surgery NO pre-packaged foods NO deprivation! Inside Medical One Third Line & Dundas (Plaza with M&M Meats) 905-483-6231 BY APPOINTMENT ONLY www.metaboliccentres.com