A TSN Turning Point For Children Living With Diabetes
TSN’s James Duthie promotes physical activity while offering kids a special behind-the-scenes look at life in front of the cameras.
Young patients of Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Paediatric Diabetes Clinic joined James Duthie, host of the NHL on TSN, for a tour of the TSN studio on Monday, April 10, 2006. The tour offered children living with Type 1 Diabetes a chance to learn about sports and the importance of physical activity in managing their disease.
“Diabetes forces kids to grow up real fast,” comments Duthie, who initiated the project with members of the Hospital’s Paediatric Diabetes team and Child Life Specialist. “For children living with diabetes, physical activity means much more than fitting into a favourite pair of jeans or scoring the winning goal. It’s an essential component of their treatment plan. By bringing these kids together and talking about sports in relation to their illness, my hope is that they gain energy and excitement to participate in activities that make them happier and healthier.”
Earlier this year, patients from the Hospital’s Paediatric Diabetes Clinic entered a contest by submitting a drawing or short story depicting themselves playing their favourite game or sport. Twenty boys and girls were selected by random draw to meet Duthie and join him on the studio tour.
“Living with Type 1 Diabetes on a daily basis can be challenging for children and their families. Our Clinic is always looking for ways to provide age-appropriate information to children about their diabetes and also to support them,” explains Jane McLellan, Social Worker, Markham Stouffville Hospital. “The team wants them to learn that being active through play and sport will help in the management of their diabetes. They can enjoy a healthier lifestyle and have fun at the same time. James’ willingness to get involved and help has provided us with a wonderful interactive and amusing way to teach our children and their families this important message. For kids, this makes all the difference – for them it is a TSN Turning Point.”
Type 1 Diabetes
Over two million Canadians suffer from diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes, formerly referred to as “Juvenile” or “Insulin Dependent Diabetes” occurs when the pancreas no longer produces insulin. The disease affects upwards of 200,000 children and adolescents across Canada.
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