|
Conquering diabetes with GLL
04 Jul 2024
Vinod Mistry is living proof that you can manage diabetes long-term through diet and exercise - and go on to complete some of the world’s most gruelling physical challenges.
Vinod – who lives in Barnet – was referred to the local ‘Healthwise’ team at Better leisure centres in 2016 following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Adhering to a regime of gym workouts and fitness classes at Better’s Copthall Leisure Centre, along with medication from his doctors, he managed to get his glucose-levels under control and in autumn 2022, at the age of 67, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. In doing so, he and his team-mates raised £13,222 for charity.
Eager to follow up on his first climbing feat, the following year, he set off for the Himalayas, facing snowfall, freezing temperatures and poor visibility with an eight-day ascent to the base camp at an altitude of 5,364m. Fortunately, he didn’t experience any altitude sickness and kept himself on top form by regularly monitoring his glucose and oxygen levels.
Vinod comments, “The exercise classes run by Barnet’s Healthwise team were motivational and enjoyable, my fitness levels improved considerably and this inspired me to continue attending the gym. I gradually stepped up my exercise routine and built up my stamina over the years and now I am fitter and confident enough to participate in challenging activities, climbing high-altitude mountains, which I never thought possible.
“I feel more in control of my medical conditions and I wish to continue challenging myself. I am very grateful to Billy and his Barnet team for helping me through my journey. This would not have been possible without their continuous support and positivity.”
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar in the blood (glucose) to become too high and can increase the risk of developing problems with your eyes, heart, feet and nerves. Symptoms can include, tiredness, thirst and frequent urination but some people have no indications at all. According to the NHS website, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help to balance sugar levels and keep the condition under control.
Statistics from the London Borough of Barnet reveal the following - In Barnet, around 4,500 people (16% of those expected to be diabetic) are potentially diabetic and undiagnosed.
Around a quarter of adults in Barnet (23.7%), took part in less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, during 2019-20. In 2019-20, over half (57%) of adults in Barnet were estimated to be Barnet’s Healthwise Coordinator, Billy Phillips, adds, “With the prevalence of medical conditions increasing, along with sedentary lifestyles, the Barnet Healthwise programme provides a great opportunity for borough residents to be referred by a healthcare professional in to our service. We aim to increase people’s physical activity levels through structured support whilst aiming to modify their lifestyle behaviours with advice and guidance from our team. In time, this will help contribute towards the management of existing risk factors and long-term medical conditions. “The programmes we offer include a falls prevention programme for those who have a fear or are at risk of falling, cancer rehabilitation, and an adult weight management programme where people can self-refer. Each programme has its own inclusion criteria, and provides access to gym, swim and fitness classes on our subsidised membership.” To mark Diabetes Week (10-16 June), a Barnet Public Health led event will be at Brent Cross shopping centre on Friday 14th June from 10am to 6pm as part of a free event offering people on-the-spot, diabetes risk-assessments.
To find out more about Barnet’s Healthwise programme, visit - FAB Hub - Health & Wellbeing (better.org.uk)
Other partners present on the day include Diabetes UK, diabetes nurses and a dietician from Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH) and NHS Barnet Talking Therapies.
Barnet leisure centres are run by charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand. The organisation is committed to supporting the wellbeing of local communities.
back
|
Latest member news |
|
|
Online classes introduced for people recently out of hospital
Online live exercise classes will soon launch in Cheshire East targeting people
who have recently left hospital, are deconditioned (seen a decline in physical
function due to inactivity or bedrest) and/or unable to access their local health
and leisure services in-person.
read more...
Activity on referral ‘fastest growing membership’ type for Trilogy Active
Midlands based Trilogy Active who operate the NHS Activity of Referral Scheme
across Northamptonshire have shared that over 880 people are staying active after
being referred to the scheme by their GP.
read more...
Get fit for surgery
Each year, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme uses the power of
physical activity to support over 12,000 disadvantaged people across the city to
improve their health and wellbeing.
read more...
Vitality programme grows by 40% in East Renfrewshire
East Renfrewshire residents have praised an exercise programme, aimed at
supporting those with medical conditions to be active and connected, whilst
increasing their fitness levels.
read more...
Worcestershire man loses almost half his body weight as part of incredible transformation
Sheldon Donavon, 32 from Malvern, who attends the Freedom Leisure centres in both
Worcester and Malvern, has lost over 13 stone in body weight.
read more...
Praise for Health for Heroes
An army veteran from Barrhead has praised East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's
Health for Heroes initiative, which offers free health and wellbeing support for
veterans.
read more...
Conquering diabetes with GLL
Vinod Mistry is living proof that you can manage diabetes long-term through diet
and exercise - and go on to complete some of the world’s most gruelling physical
challenges.
read more...
From quadruple bypass to confident gym user
David Irving knows the power of positive lifestyle change, thanks to support from
Everybody Health & Leisure.
read more...
|
|
High Life Highland Introduce Dynamic Wellbeing
High Life Highland has introduced a new class to its offering in Grantown-on-Spey
which is aimed at older adults who might benefit from some gentle exercise to help
them manage long term health conditions or mobility problems.
read more...
Horizon Leisure’s Wellbeing Hub celebrates first birthday
Charitable leisure trust, Horizon Leisure is celebrating the one-year anniversary
of the first-of-its-kind Health and Wellbeing Hub based at a shopping mall in
Havant.
read more...
£17M social value figure shows health & wellbeing contribution for Mytime Active
Social enterprise, Mytime Active, generated a social value in excess of £17
million for its neighbourhood economies last year.
read more...
Pendle Leisure Trust case study – Lighter and More Active
Alan was referred to the Up & Active Team six months ago via the Pendle Primary
Care Network health and wellbeing coach service.
read more...
From lifting weights to benefit menopause to paying closer attention to equipment for those with impairment – Burnley's new look knows no barriers
Burnley Leisure and Culture have recently upgraded even more facilities with both
St Peter’s and Padiham Leisure Centres newly refurbished gyms and cycling studios
re-opening recently.
read more...
Mytime Active and The Bromley Children and Families Voluntary Sector Forum join forces to Support Young Mums
Mytime Active is working in partnership with Bromley Children and Families
Voluntary Sector Forum (BCFF) to deliver twice-weekly free-swimming lessons for
young mums aged 15 - 24 and their babies.
read more...
Britain at the bottom of the class when it comes to school swimming
New research by GLL highlights the importance of children’s swimming lessons as
more primary schools reduce mandatory lessons.
read more...
Lincs Inspire’s new Calm Space for Neurodiverse People
A new sensory room offering a quiet and calm space for neurodiverse people has
opened at Cleethorpes Library.
read more...
|
Business partner news |
|
|
● | Charity Risk Focus
Welcome to the first edition of Charity Risk Focus — your update from
Gallagher’s Charities team, helping you stay ahead in today’s challenging
risk landscape.
...more
|
|
|
|
|
Regional Meetings |
|
|
South West Regional Meeting
12 July 2024
|
Special Interest Groups |
|
|
i-Trent
8 July 2024
|
Health Learning Session (England)
9 July 2024
|
Health Scotland
10 July 2024
|
Carbon Literacy
11 July 2024
|
Social Value
16 July 2024
|
Safeguarding
18 July 2024
|
For more information about Special Interest Group and regional / national members meetings, please contact [email protected]
|
Job vacancies |
|
|
Facility Manager - LSBU Active
Salary: £31,396 to £34,557, inclusive of £4,952 London Weighting
Location: London, UK
Company: London South Bank University
Read more and apply
|
Health and Fitness Instructor
Salary: £Competitive + pension + benefits
Location: Bolton, UK
Company: Bolton Arena
Read more and apply
|
Head of Operations
Salary: £56,107.80 - £63,165.86pa + benefits
Location: Dunfermline, UK
Company: Fife Sports and Leisure Trust Ltd
Read more and apply
|
Senior Leisure Officer
Salary: £41,418 - £48,474pa + local govt pension + benefits
Location: Honiton, UK
Company: East Devon District Council
Read more and apply
|
|