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.

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 17^th 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.