Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Cornwall’s Live Smart Diabetes Expo was held Saturday at the Cornwall Civic Complex, bringing a vast variety of diabetes resources to the Cornwall and Akwesasne communities.

“When it comes to diabetes, knowledge is the best management,” said Linda Rodgers, Cornwall Expo Lead with the Canadian Diabetes Association. “The more an individual learns about diabetes, the better equipped they are for the life long commitment to diabetes management.”

Vendors set up booths throughout the expo area demonstrating medical equipment, food products, and other resourceful items that might not be known to diabetes patients.

A speaker told audience members that diabetes does not have to stop you from doing what you want to in life. He named several celebrities who have the disease, including Halle Berry.

“Unfortunately, we are bombarded with so much information about our health these days that it’s hard to know what to believe. Information becomes overwhelming,” Rodgers said. “That’s why we are hosting today’s Expo. This is where information crystallizes into knowledge and empowerment sets in.”

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Community Health Program also had a display. They discussed their prevention program and their own resources with people passing through.

“We’re trying to do a lot with preventative health,” said Janet Tatro, RN.

The program not only assists those with diabetes or those who want to prevent it, but they also promote good health all around. Last summer they hosted a “Camp Discover” for kids. The weeklong camp taught the children about health and nutrition.

The Community Health Program also features a smoking cessation program. They provide support for those who are trying to quit smoking.

“We’re the cheerleaders,” Tatro said.

Nearly 30 Akwesasne residents attended the expo, joining roughly 200 guests from other areas in and around Cornwall.