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Agreed, with some trepidation, to join this years
‘Pollie Pedal’ and ride 90 kilometres from Orford to
Hobart via Richmond. I have a reasonable level of
fitness from regularly going to the gym, but don’t
do any riding. Until now!
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Tasmania has more than 30,000 diabetes sufferers,
and another 18,000 are expected to get diabetes
within the next five to ten years. Diabetes can be
managed and prevented, especially if people adopt
healthy lifestyles and exercise. Being overweight is
one of the most significant risk factors for
developing type 2 diabetes. We can have a healthier,
more productive community, and a less-stressed
health system, if people take stock of their
lifestyles and make a greater effort to exercise and
eat well. |
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The
ride was fantastic, although quite a challenge, and
on a few occasions I worried that I might not make
it.
Senator Guy Barnett, a diabetes sufferer, was
instrumental in organising the event, and other
pollies who rode included MLCs Greg Hall, Jim
Wilkinson and Paul Harriss. Federal Liberal
Candidates Ben Quin and Vanessa Goodwin also came
along.
It was wonderful arriving at safely Salamanca, to be
met by Nicky and the kids, after what was, for me,
quite an accomplishment.
A great event for a great cause.
Further information on diabetes can be obtained from
Diabetes Australia – Tasmania (88 Bathurst Street,
Hobart;
http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au).
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