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.