Canadian Diabetes Association begins Get Checked Now campaign
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Diabetes Association has begun a national public awareness campaign called "Get Checked Now" aimed primarily at Canadians over the age of 40. The campaign seeks to alert viewers their potential risk for developing type two diabetes and encourages them to get checked for the disease. The television and radio public service announcements depict the symptoms of someone with undiagnosed type two diabetes, such as severe tingling or numbness in the extremities. As part of the campaign, consumers will be able to get a free diabetes risk assessment at participating pharmacies in Loblaws, Zehrs, Extra Foods, Atlantic Superstore, Real Canadian Superstore and Your Independent Grocer stores. as well as free co-branded copies of a publication called "Verve - A Guide to Living Healthy with Diabetes." From spring until the end of the year, Loblaw and the association will also conduct diabetes education sessions at pharmacies in Loblaw stores. "Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions among the Canadian population," said Michael Cloutier, president and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. "Many people with prediabetes or undiagnosed type two diabetes may actually display no symptoms. It is critical that we all act now as diabetes is not only costing our healthcare system, but is costing Canadians their life. Our campaign sponsors and distinctive collaboration with Loblaw will help Canadians get checked for type two diabetes and provide educational resources to help them manage the disease."