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Jumpstart Programme helps in the battle against Diabetes

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Auckland, April 24, 2018

Twelve people have graduated from Jumpstart at the YMCA Cameron Pools, Mount Roskill, joining over 950 other Kiwis who have already completed the 10-week Diabetes 1 Health Management Programme across the country in the last three years.

Jumpstart now runs four times a year at 14 YMCAs in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Invercargill to help people manage their health better through exercise, nutrition and lifestyle change.

Cameron Pools is one of the busiest locations accounting for 80 people on the Programme since July 2016, an average of 10 persons per course.

About Robyn Paterson

Cameron Pools Jumpstart Instructor Robyn Paterson, who was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2002, has been playing an integral role in changing the health prospects of her Jumpstart attendees.

“I know what Jumpstarters are going through because I have been in their shoes and understand what it is like. If anyone had told me 15 years ago that I would be a fitness instructor, I would have laughed,” she said.

After her diagnosis, Robyn made changes in her habits to lead a more active life. She no longer needs to take insulin or medications as long as she keeps up with her healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Her job as a Jumpstart instructor makes it easier to follow the routine.

Salvito’s achievement

Salvito is one Robyn’s most recent successful Jumpstarters. He has already seen dramatic changes in his health, thanks to the Programme.

Salvito was told that he had Diabetes 20 years ago, but the Programme has been a turning point in his life.

“I am very happy to be part of the Jumpstart Programme. I am motivated by the other people in the class, and the instructors keep me busy with different goals or activities from walking or short jogs in the park, to some surprises like bench step-ups. Jumpstart is now a part of my weekly routine; it has given me accountability, rather than working out on my own and I thank Robyn for constantly encouraging and motivating me to push myself and reach my goals,” he said.

Salvito has lost 2 cm on his waist and hips in a six-week time frame and his HBA1C score (a measurement of long-term blood sugar or glucose levels) has improved.

After every ten weeks, a graduation ceremony is held at which participants share their stories with family and friends.

“It is my favourite part to see the results and the growing confidence in people, like Salvito. I love seeing participants who have gone through the Programme over the years and are still regular members of the gym today,” she said.

Jumpstart on April 30

The next Jumpstart starts on April 30, 2018 at Cameron Pools, and nine other YMCAs across Auckland, as well as Hamilton, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt and Invercargill.

Jumpstart is for people with diabetes, or those who have been told they are pre-diabetic.

Founded by YMCA Auckland and healthcare company Pharmaco (NZ) Ltd, the national programme has helped almost 1000 people since it was launched in 2015.

It started in Auckland and Hamilton, and then launched in Wellington and Invercargill at the beginning of 2017.

Common results from the programme include weight loss, lower waist measurements and blood pressure, improved mental health and confidence about a healthy future.

The weekly sessions help get people moving, no matter their size.

For people who are pre-diabetic, exercise and lifestyle programmes like Jumpstart, can help delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

For further information, please contact Jonathan Tudor on 021-790475 or Nina Green on 021- 02340729. Website:

About Diabetes

Diabetes is the result of the body not creating enough insulin to keep blood glucose (sugar) levels in the normal range. Everyone needs some glucose in their blood, but if it’s too high it can damage your body over time.

Type 1 Diabetes is an ‘auto-immune’ condition.

Basically, the body sets up an attack against the cells within it that make insulin.

These cells are called beta cells and are isolated in the pancreas.

The result is that the body does not produce any or very little insulin.

http://www.diabetes.org.nz

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which your body is not able to use insulin properly, resulting in high blood glucose levels. This can lead to a wide range of health problems if not treated (www.healthnavigator.org.nz)

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Photo Caption:

Robyn Patterson (fourth from left) with Nirupa Kumar, Bhanumathy Ellaya, Nilima Venkat, Sashi Sakal and Sashi Nand.

(Picture Supplied)

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