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Hello everyone!

Today, I want to share my experience at the recent Diabetes Expo in Mississauga, and also provide a sneak peek into some exciting healthcare initiatives we are planning for the future.

The Diabetes Expo at the Living Arts Center was on our radar because my mom is an endocrinologist, specializing in diabetes care. Naturally, we were eager to attend and see what the event had to offer. Peel region is considered the diabetes capital of Canada. The event was organized by the city of Mississauga.

Our adventure began by joining the promised healthy dinner spread for the community. It turned out to be a delightful selection of nutritious options, including various salads, egg salad sandwiches, chicken and veggie wraps with hummus, tomato soup, and refreshing beverages. Our hunger sated, we were ready to explore the expo itself.

Our first stop was a blood test booth by Dyna Care, where we decided to have my grandpa tested. However, they required an assessment by “CANRISK” first, and he scored 42 due to his age. Afterward, we proceeded with the blood test and were informed that we would receive the results online within 48 hours.

We then explored a booth offering walking and biking-related products, sponsored by the City of Mississauga. They handed out front and back bike lights, magnets to identify cyclists, contact information for booking biking events, and emphasized the importance of physical activity.

Next, we ventured into a booth showcasing a library with a wealth of books on nutrition and wellness. It was a haven for book lovers interested in health-related literature.

At the exercise booth, representatives from the City of Mississauga encouraged physical activity by offering discounts and gym plans. Visitors could assess their grip strength, and receive personalized fitness advice such as BMI and percentage body fat. Armed with brochures and newfound knowledge, we moved on to our last stop before the map section – an initiative promoting outdoor activities and environmental awareness. The city aimed to plant one million trees in Mississauga, a commendable effort for the environment.

The final booth we visited was “Walk with the Doctor,” organized by three medical students from UFT. This initiative encouraged people to join doctors for a one-hour walk on Sundays, combining exercise with health education. My mom even signed up to be a doctor for one of the walks!

Partners in the Mississauga Diabetes Strategy include:

1. Peel Public Health
2. University of Toronto Mississauga Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations
3. Institute for Better Health – Trillium Health Partners – The Family and Child Health Initiative
4. Cities Changing Diabetes Programme

Initially, we had high expectations, fueled by my mom’s enthusiastic description of the event. She had made it sound like a bustling gathering with numerous stalls and attendees. However, reality struck when we found only a handful of stalls and a sparse crowd. Despite the modest turnout, the stalls were impressively designed and offered valuable educational resources. I hope to see more attendees next year. May be we should do more promotions through social media and also give incentives for people to attend the event.

In conclusion, the Diabetes Expo, while smaller than expected, was well-organized and informative. It sparked an idea for a healthcare expo focused on the healthcare needs of immigrant communities, which are rapidly growing in Mississauga. This event that we are arrange for the spring of 2024 through our “Canadian Malayali Health Initiative” will aim to address health risks like diabetes and heart disease prevalent in Malayali immigrants in Canada. Malayali community in Canada is fast growing. Current number of Malayalis in Canada is around 500,000.

Here are some exciting ideas we have for this future healthcare expo:

1. Snack Bar: A diverse range of healthy and delicious snacks will be available, promoting mindful eating habits and providing attendees with nutritious options to enjoy during the event.
2. Educational Activities: Engaging and informative sessions will cover various health topics, including nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and disease prevention. Experts and professionals will lead these activities to empower attendees with valuable knowledge.
3. Self-Screening Stations: Equipped with state-of-the-art screening tools, these stations will allow attendees to conduct basic health assessments, such as blood pressure checks, BMI measurements, and glucose level tests, encouraging proactive health monitoring.
4. Book Fair: A comprehensive collection of health and wellness literature will be on display, offering attendees the opportunity to explore the latest research, inspirational stories, and practical guides for improving their well-being.
5. Art Exhibitions: Artwork themed around health and wellness will be showcased, inspiring creativity and providing a unique perspective on the intersection of art and health.
6. Fitness Workshops: Certified fitness instructors will conduct engaging fitness sessions suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced enthusiasts. Attendees can participate in various workouts, promoting physical activity and overall fitness.
7. Raffle: A fun and interactive raffle will feature exciting prizes, including fitness gear, wearable tech gadgets, and wellness products, encouraging attendees to stay motivated on their health journey.
8. Sale of Health Food Products: High-quality health food products, including organic snacks, supplements, and superfoods, will be available for purchase, making it convenient for attendees to adopt healthier dietary choices.
9. Exercise Clothes and Shoes: A wide selection of exercise clothing and footwear will be offered for sale, ensuring attendees have access to comfortable and stylish attire for their fitness routines.
10. Demos on Wearables and Tech Gadgets: Experts will provide live demonstrations of the latest wearable health technology and gadgets, allowing attendees to explore innovative tools for tracking their fitness progress and overall health.
11. Dance and Fitness Hour: A lively dance and fitness session will energize the crowd, promoting the benefits of physical activity while having fun and learning new dance moves.
12. Healthy Food Cooking Competition: Local chefs will compete in a cooking challenge, showcasing their culinary skills in preparing healthy and delicious dishes. Attendees can taste the creations and gain inspiration for their own meals.
13. Q&A Sessions: Experts and healthcare professionals will host Q&A sessions, providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights on various health topics.
14. Screening for Diabetes, Metabolic Diseases, and Cancer: Dedicated screening booths will offer attendees the chance to undergo essential health screenings, including diabetes risk assessments, metabolic health checks, and cancer screenings, promoting early detection and prevention.
15. Mental Health Coaching: Certified mental health coaches and counselors will be available for one-on-one sessions, offering guidance, support, and coping strategies for managing mental well-being.
16. Sharing Resources: A dedicated area will feature information and resources on local healthcare providers, support groups, and community services, ensuring attendees have access to a network of resources for their health needs.
17. Guidance: Health professionals will offer personalized guidance and recommendations, helping attendees create actionable plans for achieving their health and wellness goals.
18. Community dinner: Prepared by chefs from the Malayali community.

We are expecting a significant turnout, possibly even reaching 1,000 attendees.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative aimed at promoting healthcare awareness and well-being in our diverse community. Together, we can make a positive impact on our health and the health of our loved ones.