Nation’s Families Get Behind Walk 2012
To Mark World Diabetes Day
Yas Marina Circuit
November 16 2012
Doors Open at 3pm For Family Fun and Edutainment
Register now: www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/Walk_2012_Registration.aspx
Abu Dhabi UAE, November 15 2012: Hundreds of Emirati mothers and youngsters
have pledged their participation in the upcoming Walk 2012, according to
organisers, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC).
The
Centre coordinated with Abu Dhabi’s Family
Development Foundation (FDF) and more than 150 mothers along with 350 children
from the FDF network are set to attend the event at Yas Marina Circuit on
November 16, just two days after World Diabetes Day.
In addition,
corporate supporters of the nation’s largest
 |
| Children from the Family Development Foundation’s school network practice their fitness performance ahead of Friday’s Walk 2012 at Yas Marina Circuit. |
Walk 2012 is part of Walk for Life, a key pillar in ICLDC’s campaign, ‘Diabetes-Knowledge-Action’, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.public health awareness event have enabled another 3,000 school children to attend by donating entry tickets.
Sheikha Fatima is the
Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for
Motherhood and Childhood, as well as the Supreme Chairwoman of the Family
Development Foundation.
ICLDC’s Medical and Research Director and
Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Maha Taysir Barakat acknowledged the role of the
family in encouraging a balanced diet and regular exercise.
 |
| With the support of Abu Dhabi’s Family Development Foundation, hundreds of Emirati mothers and many more youngsters have pledged their participation in Walk 2012, this Friday November 16 at Yas Marina Circuit |
“Young
ones are impressionable and the children of parents who exercise regularly are more likely to come to enjoy exercise
and its health benefits throughout life,” she said.
Dr Maha noted that there is a reported rise in the
number of cases of type 2 diabetes among children linked to a sedentary
lifestyle and an unhealthy diet.
“It was previously thought that type 1 diabetes only affected
children, and type 2 diabetes, adults.
“However, it is now evident that type 2 diabetes is increasing
in children with obesity, and type 1 is also known to reveal itself in later
life. The
good news is that up to
80 per cent of type 2 diabetes may be managed and even prevented by positive
lifestyle modifications,” she said
Now
in its sixth year, Walk 2012 is supported by the National Health Insurance
Company – Daman and offers a choice of two walking circuits; a five kilometre
route for those who really want to walk for a good 60 minutes or more, and a
shorter three kilometre route, which is great for families with small children.
 |
| Walk 2012 kicks off this Friday at 3pm with a whole array of fun-filled family activities and entertainment, including special fitness performances by young children from the Family Development Foundation’s network of schools across the capital. |
Daman’s Chief Executive Officer Dr Michael
Bitzer said: “We are delighted to hear that so many mothers and children are
joining Walk 2012. This is what the event is all about, getting families
together to raise awareness of the benefits of living healthily.”
Walk 2012’s programme kicks off on November 16 at 3pm with an array of
family activities, including fun-filled entertainment geared to encouraging
lifestyle changes.
FDF confirmed that four groups of school children are scheduled to each
give a special Walk for Life fitness performance to the expected 17,000
participants, up from 4,500 walkers six years ago.
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