Ashburton Pakeke and Rakaia Lions are inviting the community to join them as they ‘step out for diabetes’ in Argyle Park on Sunday.
It is part of nationwide Lions Clubs New Zealand initiative called, Lap the NZ Map.
Lion member Janet Hadley said people were encouraged to attend the event to exercise, enjoy the company of others company and raise funds for diabetes.
It costs a gold coin to take part, which will be donated to Diabetes New Zealand.
Walkers step out around Argyle Park between 9am and 1pm doing as many laps they want, then record those laps online.
‘‘Once your walk is done you log on to record the distance or number of steps you have completed. The aim is to have people around New Zealand, walk the distance of the New Zealand coast line which is 15,000km,’’ Hadley said.
‘‘People can walk as far as they want. The walk is flat and easy, and the day will be a fun one for families,’’ she said.
Anyone wanting to have their insulin checked can also get this done at the walk through a simple finger prick.
As well as the walk, there will be a bouncy castle, coffee cart, healthy raffles, the Lions food truck and members of the Leo Club will be offering face painting.
Funds raised will go to Diabetes NZ for their work raising diabetes awareness, prevention and research.
‘‘Lions Club International support several causes diabetes, child cancer, the environment, hunger and vision. With world diabetes awareness month the Lap the NZ Map is a fun way to support and raise awareness and funds for diabetes,’’ Hadley said.
Diabetes New Zealand says on the Lions website that New Zealand has a serious and growing type 2 diabetes problem.
One-in-four New Zealanders will be affected by diabetes or pre diabetes.
It is predicted that within the next 20 years, the number of people with type 2 diabetes will increase by 70 to 90 per cent. Of these people Maori, Pacific and Asian will be worst affected.
Allowing this to occur will have a hugely detrimental impact on the wellbeing of our people, but also on the sustainability of our health system and economy.
At an individual level, diabetes affects almost every aspect of a person’s life, including their physical health, mental health, social life and employment.
Diabetes is the tip of the iceberg as the cause of significant health issues with downstream illnesses – cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss neuropathies and lower limb amputation.
In New Zealand, 17 per cent of all health loss across the population is the result of diabetes.
– Lions Clubs New Zealand ‘Lap the NZ Map’ from 9am to 1pm at Argyle Park, Middle Rd, Ashburton on November 23, raising awareness of diabetes and funds for Diabetes NZ. Gold coin entry.
