Nerve Events: 2019

Saturday, December 21, 2019

2019 Global Diabetes Walk breaks records

The 2019 Global Diabetes Walk again broke records, this time in participation. Organizers held more than 2,600 events in 69 countries, and a record 1.2 million people joined them, taking steps to prevent diabetes in groups large and small around the globe.

Walkers in Durban South Africa supporting the 2019 Global Diabetes Walk.
Photo courtesy Pure Photographic Studio

Just over 1 million* of this year’s participants were involved in the remarkable Jain Hospital campaign, which rolled out across 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, India, from 14-19 November. Just one of the campaign’s many events – a yoga and physical activity even at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, drew 15,000 enthusiastic participants.

WDF also had the pleasure of working with Lutfudin Osmani, an energetic new organizer in Afghanistan, and Sofia Cabral, who organized what may have been the year’s smallest walk in Argentina. And we mustn’t forget Mohamed Gedi, who again used sporting events to great effect in Somalia…

In fact, WDF thanks each and every organizer for making the 15th anniversary of the Global Diabetes Walk a year to remember.

Walks in Africa

74 Walks were held with more than 52,590 participants in 19 countries (Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, Durban South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). The biggest Walks took place in Somalia, with 10,000 participants spread across 3 massive Walk events organized by Somali Diabetes Management and Information Centre – a continuing supporter of the Walk campaign.

Walks in Europe
294 Walks were held with 44,193 participants in 15 countries (Armenia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Ireland, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Turkey, and Uzbekistan). The biggest Walks took place in Georgia, with 248 Walks and 30,000 participants organized by Georgia Red Cross Society - it is the largest number of Walks organized by one organizer in Europe to date.

Walks in the Middle East and North Africa
32 Walks were held 23,390 participants in 6 countries (Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). The biggest Walk event took place in the United Arab Emirates with more than 10,000 participants organized by the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre.

Walks in North America and the Caribbean
23 Walks were held with 6,590 participants in 7 countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Mexico, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago). The biggest Walks took place in Mexico, Salomón Padilla Garfias organized two massive Walks gathering 3,500 participants.

Walks in South and Central America
75 Walks were held with 26,400 participants in 11 countries (Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela). The biggest Walk took place in Colombia, where Fundación Vida Nueva organized a massive Walk event in Barranquilla with 10,000 participants.

Walks in South East Asia
2,155 Walks were held with 1,066,475 participants in 6 countries (Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, and the Philippines). The biggest Walks took place in India, with Jain Hospital attracting 1 million participants to 2,075 Walk events across Uttar Pradesh.

Walks in Western Pacific
15 Walks were held with 25,680 participants in 7 countries (Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, and Vietnam). The biggest Walk took place in Vietnam, where Vietnam Diabetes Educators Association organized 3 walks with 10,000 participants.

Thank you! The Global Diabetes Walk campaign team owes a huge thanks to all of our dedicated Walk organizers and participants - without you, none of this would have been possible. Thanks to you, the campaign continues to grow, as more than 1 million people joined the global movement and took steps to prevent diabetes!

Countries represented were Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Congo (Kinshasa), Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Somaliland, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

This information is provided by the World Diabetes Foundation

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Durban's Global Diabetes Walk participants give thumbs up to new Vetch's Promenade

A Megladonic view of the Durban Wellness Festival @uShaka marine world

On Sunday, November 17, the annual Global Diabetes Walk & Wellness Festival supported by the Protea Hotel by Marriott - Durban Edward to promote general health and wellness, and in particular an awareness campaign and to raise funds on behalf of Diabetes SA Durban.

The event took place at its inaugural home at uShaka Marine World and saw everyone - from babies in prams to people in wheelchairs turning up to support. Durban was certainly "doing it for diabetes”.

Seen at the event Dr.Silvana Nienaber, Tony Purnell, Elizma van der Linde

“Even though World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on November 14 with the aim of raising awareness and educating people about this dreaded disease, its complications and the care that people with this condition need.

We encourage the public to show more interest in monitoring their health, fitness and diet irrespective of the date being “observed, as most people know so little about this serious condition” says Jenny Russell, the Branch Manager at Diabetes SA in Durban and we seriously need to do something about it collectively!” she added.

In additional to the entertainment provided by local specialists in health and fitness, the day ended with loads of lucky draws taking place after the walk, with the addition of a wellness expo where members of the public had the opportunity to have their blood pressure, blood sugar, eyes and feet tested as well as exhibitors from pharmaceutical, health, fitness and nutrition companies educated those who attended to a variety of products to improve or maintain good health.

The participants were also delighted to be able to walk on the brand new Vetch's Promenade which was officially opened on Saturday and has added an exciting dimension to Durban's Golden Mile.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Your health is your wealth

IT IS ALL ABOUT OUR HEALTH & LIFESTYLE! – Freddy the green iguana catches up with those providing some of the entertainment
at the Wellness Expo: (From left to right) Zayeeda Misser (Bollywood Fitness); Cameron Labuschagne & Cassandra Pretorius (Rythmic Dance)
and in front, Prathiksha Naidu from Hot Yoga Durban

World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on November 14 and aims to raise awareness and educate people about this dread disease, its complications and the care that’s needed. However, it takes more than just one day for all of us to monitor our health and ensure that we eat well and exercise to stay healthy.

To start the process, the successful annual 5km/8km Global Diabetes Walk will make its debut at uShaka Marine World on Sunday, November 17th starting with registration at 7am. The walk will commence at 8am. 

In addition to the walk, there will be a festive Wellness Expo which will see many exhibitors offering information and sample products relating to diabetes as well as offering free glucose and blood pressure tests. 

An added bonus will be an array of entertainment, featuring the likes of Bollywood Fitness who will be there creating awareness amongst members of the public who attend the walk and demonstrating the importance of exercise and diet.

“I simply love the Durban Wellness Festival”, says owner Zayeeda Misser. “Since Diabetes is the number one condition affecting many people, we at Bollywood Fitness decided to join the Durban Wellness Festival once again. This gives us an opportunity to engage with members of the public and remind them of the small changes that one can make in their daily lives pertaining to well-being! Our motto is "Your health is your wealth", so get up and make a difference. You owe it to yourself,” she added.

Minette Landman, owner of Rhythmic Dance Studio, said: “We are so excited to be supporting this great event once again! Get your entry tickets, enjoy a scenic beach route walk and meet us at the finish line for some crazy fun entertainment. We welcome you to participate with us.”

Prathiksha Naidu of Hot Yoga Durban is also proud to be associated with this event and will be hosting a free yoga class at 7.30am, so be sure to bring your yoga mat and a towel so that you can join in and do some warm up stretches before the walk begins at 8am.

Entry costs just R65 per person and, for more information on this NGO self-funding event, please email mw.nerve@mweb.co.za or call 0312012169 during office hours.

For further information regarding diabetes, check out this informative video @ https://youtu.be/FyabUi5MBeA.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Seen at the recent DSA 50th anniversary breakfast

Seen at the recent Diabetes SA 50^th Anniversary breakfast (22/10/2019) and the launch of the 2019 annual Global Diabetes Walk & Wellness Festival, which was hosted at the Protea Hotel by Marriott – Durban Edward, who is also a proud supporting sponsor together with uShaka Marine World.

Paul Godwin (Nerve Events); Merle Bateman (uShaka Marine World);
Charlotte Sukhraj & James Viljoen (Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Edward)

The launch focused on highlighting and encouraging the public at large to live a more active and healthy lifestyle against this serious condition we know as Diabetes.

They also announced that the 5km & 8km walk/run raises funds for this NPO organisation and will take place on Sunday, November 17^th from its new home at uShaka Marine World.

Seen at the launch were:

Shelley Donald, Zubie Vara, Maria Reynolds

Sister Gertie Ndlovu(DSA), Sister Vera Yon, Sister Elsie Naicker, DSA Chairperson
Sister Pilile Dlamini, Brenda Nkomonde(DSA), Ziets Roets, Eunice Nyaba(DSA)

Sister Vera Yon, Sister Elsie Naicker, Eunice Nyaba(DSA)
, Ziets Roets

Julie Peacock, Sam Appalsamy, Dr Silvana Nienaber

Wendy Girven, Sister Vera Yon, Anette Thompson, Sister Fiona Prins

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Diabetes Walk & Wellness Festival moves to uShaka Marine World

WARMING UP for the upcoming Global Diabetes Walk, which will make its inaugural debut at uShaka on Sunday, Nov 17^th are: Lethu Zwane (uShaka Athletics Club); James Viljoen (Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Edward); Sister Gertie Ndlovu (Diabetes SA Dbn); Paul Godwin (Nerve Events); Sister Pilile Dlamini (Chairperson Diabetes SA Dbn); Mandla Hlatshwayo (uShaka Athletics Club); Mark Kidson (Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Edward).

Organisers of the annual Durban Wellness Festival (DWF) are pleased to announce that this year’s event will now be taking place on the Sunday, 17 November at uShaka Marine World.

“We are looking forward to holding this year’s event at a new venue. We believe that uShaka is perfect for the Wellness Expo and for the start and finish of the Global Diabetes Walk. We have held this event at the Durban Beachfront since 2011. This venue has its own unique vibe, offers a more controlled environment for the event and at the same time offers a functional space that provides a fresh and welcoming atmosphere,” explains operations manager for Nerve Events, Paul Godwin.

Mpume Mabuza, the Marketing Director of uShaka Marine World added “We host a number of events that promote healthy living, some of which include Ntenga Foundation Charity Walk and most recently the uShaka Fun Walk. We as a theme park have so many activities that promote a healthy lifestyle, so, we are delighted to be associated with this upcoming Global Diabetes Walk”.

The Wellness Festival and start/finish for this year’s event will take place at Arena 1 which is at the main entrance to the uShaka Marine World. Another bonus is ample secure parking.

The 8km walk will take place along the lower Marine Parade starting from the venue to Pirates Lifesaving Club and return along the lower Marine Parade. The cost to enter the walk is R65.00 and this includes a goodie bag for the first 1000 people crossing the finish line or while stocks last. Those that can only manage to walk the 5km route may turn at the Amphitheatre.

The walk takes place during international diabetes month and is part of the International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Day campaign.

Diabetes is a pandemic. Today, more than 425 million people have diabetes. By 2045, that could rise to 629 million. 79% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle - income countries. Yet, there's something we all can do about Type 2 diabetes, no matter where we live. Regular exercise helps keep blood sugar levels stable, reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases and improves well-being. Take steps to prevent diabetes and join the walk.

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. Each year, the International Diabetes Federation marks the day with a global campaign promoting diabetes awareness and advocacy. The Global Diabetes Walk is the WDF's contribution to this important campaign.

Since 2004, more than 5 million people have joined WDF’s effort to raise awareness and encourage more people to take steps to prevent this devastating disease. This year, the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) celebrates its 15th anniversary of the Global Diabetes Walk and Nerve Marketing has been privileged to be associated with this important event since 2011, doing its bit to raise diabetes awareness in South Africa and Durban.

This year’s event will follow a similar format to previous years and there will be additional entertainment provided by local specialists in health and fitness. Bollywood Fitness will once again be on the program to entertain the crowds, Hot Yoga Durban will engage the public with some much needed “laughter yoga”, as well as Rhythmic Arts Academy with numerous dance styles.

If you or a family member are affected by Diabetes you are most welcome to join us on the Sunday, 17 November. There will be free testing available and experts in the field of diabetes such as Diabetes South Africa, as well as other wellness contributors to answer questions and provide guidance.

Family and diabetes is the theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day and diabetes awareness month over the month of November.

“The campaign is intended to raise awareness of the impact of diabetes on patients' families and support networks and to promote the crucial role of the family in diabetes care and prevention. As diabetes is a chronic condition that can demand lifelong self-care by patients for successful management, parents, partners, and other family members or close friends can often play a strong supportive role,” says DSA’s Manager Jenny Russell.

Russell goes on to state: “Having a family member with diabetes can have profound consequences for families, with a negative impact on emotional wellbeing, finances, leisure activities and physical health. Indirect costs for both patients and family members, such as ability to work, can also contribute to the negative economic impact on families affected by diabetes”.

The focus of World Diabetes Day on the family provides a welcome opportunity to highlight these issues and to recognise the central role that families have in supporting people with diabetes.

Hopefully the campaign will engage with families, recognising the support they provide and the challenges and sacrifices they face. Most importantly, serious efforts will be necessary to improve the State health system—both to make essential medicines and health care more accessible and affordable and to provide education and support to families to help them to fulfil their vital role in diabetes care and prevention.

This help, advice and support is available through Diabetes SA which celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year.

She also goes on to acknowledge and thank the supporting sponsors in the role that they play, such as the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Edward and uShaka Marine World!

To wrap up, Charlotte Sukhraj who is the Sales & Marketing Executive from the Protea Hotel by Marriott Durban Edward said; “Not only are our hotel staff entering this event to raise awareness of this cause and organisation, but we would like to extend a challenge to our neighbouring hotel staff along our golden mile here, and their families in seeing them at the start on 17 November.

For more information on this event, how to enter the walk or take a table, please email mw.nerve@mweb.co.za or call 0312012169 during office hours, and for further information regarding diabetes, check out this informative video @ https://youtu.be/FyabUi5MBeA.