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Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, part of Mubadala’s healthcare network and the one-stop-shop to the treatment, research, education and public health awareness campaigns for diabetes will team up with host venue, Al Ain Zoo for an afternoon of fun for children with diabetes in the Al Ain Community.
The Fun Day event will take place on Thursday 23rd March and forms part of Imperial College London Diabetes Centre’s ongoing public health campaign initiatives, encouraging children with diabetes and their families to explore new and exciting ways to remain active, live a healthy lifestyle while educating them on how to better manage the condition.
Dr Amani Osman, Consultant Paediatric Diabetologist at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Al Ain said, “One in ten children who attend our Centres across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain are living with diabetes and it is often a difficult conversation to have with the children and parents who have to come to terms with living with diabetes. It’s initiatives such as the Fun Day that can help families to recognize that they can enjoy all the engaging activities while living with the condition.
“Children are much more receptive to new information if they engage in activities that are stimulating and provide a sense of enjoyment. Therefore, explaining a complicated subject to children such as healthy eating, while they interact with wildlife and new activities at the Zoo is a great way to get these messages through much more effectively.”
A spokesperson from Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution Al Ain, added: “Imperial College London Diabetes Centre makes a significant, positive difference to so many children and their families throughout the UAE and it is inspiring to see how much they have achieved since its inception . It is a privilege to be a part of this venture and it is such a pleasure to be hosting the children and the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre team at Al Ain Zoo. We hope to continue supporting this wonderful organization with more initiatives.”
The free of charge, two-hour event from 4 to 6pm on Thursday 23rd March 2017 will include fun activities with the opportunity for children and their siblings to visit the zoo with the park’s educator who will talk about healthy eating tips. A zumba class, treasure hunt, soft ball games as well as a 1km walk around the zoo all form part of the afternoon’s events.
In addition, specialist dieticians, educators and nurses will man three, educational areas at the Zoo raising awareness among the children about the importance of healthy eating, exercise and ways of dealing with diabetes.
