For further information:
Lyn Curtis, 0411 019 924, lcurtis@diabetesvic.org.au
MEDIA ALERT
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
To
Radio producers
What
Radio interview from 13 July
Take steps for diabetes
Newspoll data released Sunday 12 July will show that 60 per cent of Victorians did not
know and 78 per cent did not do the recommended amount of physical activity for good
health. (Australian Physical Activity Guidelines)
Diabetes Australia – Vic CEO Professor Greg Johnson said “The health message is not
working. These guidelines have been promoted for years but the message is not getting
through.”
“We need to look at the problem differently. For most adults, most of their time at work and
at home is now sedentary. People can spend 12 hours per day or more just sitting. We
have to break up this sedentary behaviour,” Professor Johnson said.
In Victoria there are 210,000 people registered with diabetes and 450 new cases
developing every week. Diabetes has serious complications of heart attack, stroke, kidney
damage, blindness and amputation. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by sustained
lifestyle change including weight reduction, healthy eating and physical activity.
People available for radio interview from Monday 13 July:
??Adjunct Professor Greg Johnson Diabetes Australia acting CEO has a particular
interest in the management, awareness and prevention of diabetes and is a passionate
advocate for people with diabetes.
??Professor Neville Owen Professor of Health Behaviour at Queensland University and
Director of the Cancer Prevention Research Centre in the School of Population Health has
new research showing the dangers of sedentary lifestyles.
??Kerrie Beitzel turned her life around by incorporating walking
into her fitness routine. She often walks with a friend for motivation. She is reducing her risk
of developing type 2 diabetes.
??John Makaronis walks regularly to manage his diabetes
NEWS 
