The DRWF Wellness Day South, held in conjunction with the local Primary Care Trust, recently took place in Southampton, Hampshire, to mark the end of Diabetes Week on Saturday 19th June 2010.
For attendees, the day offered an opportunity to attend three workshops out of five that were going on throughout the day and learn more about diabetes, good self management and practical tips for living with the condition everyday.
The workshops in the main were given by diabetes healthcare professionals from the Royal South Hants Hospital in Southampton. ‘Countdown to good control – The who, what , where and why of carbohydrates was given by Sarah Woodman, Lead Dietitian; ‘Keeping things sweet – Diabetes and the hospital experience’ by Dr Mayank Patel, Consultant Physician and Rita Trodden, DSN, and ‘Avoiding holiday hiccups – Holidays and travelling with diabetes’, by Julie Hadley and Maria Jack, Diabetes Specialist Nurses.
‘Talking Tablets – Diabetes and oral medications’, was given by Stephen Inns, Medicines Management Pharmacist, NHS Hampshire PCT and Primary Care Teacher Portsmouth University, and ‘Think, live and be positive – The psychology of living with diabetes’ by Dr Jen Nash, Clinical Psychologist.
Regular DRWF event attendee Alison Smith from Tai Chi for Everyone, took all delegates through a gentle introduction to Tai Chi in the afternoon and the benefits of taking exercise with regard to diabetes.
During break times, delegates had the opportunity to visit the exhibitor room packed with diabetes related services, products and advice.
DRWF Event Co-ordinator Lee Calladine said of the day, ‘I see DRWF Wellness Events as an incredibly important resource for people living with diabetes. Whether a delegate is newly diagnosed, or looking to improve their understanding of diabetes or daily management, the wellness events provide a wealth of information that would not normally be available to them. They are such a great way to learn about diabetes in a friendly and informal setting and I would urge anyone that has not attended one to give it a go. They are also a great way to meet other people with diabetes and make new friends’.