Want free Eels v Tigers footy tickets? Here’s how

Five lucky families will win free tickets to the footy, courtesy of Western Sydney Local Health District and Bankwest Stadium.

The ticket giveaway is marking National Diabetes Week 2019 (14 July – 20 July), which is encouraging people to get active, healthy and tested for type 2 diabetes.

To win one of five family passes of four tickets to the Parramatta Eels v Wests Tigers game at Bankwest Stadium on July 14, community members must:

• Take a photo or film a short 10 – 60 second video of yourself or the family doing your favourite exercise activity
• Submit the photo or video via the Western Sydney Health Facebook inbox or email wslhd-thepulse@health.nsw.gov.au by this Thursday 11 July at 10pm.
• In your submission, please state the suburb you live in – the competition is open to western Sydney residents only.

Western Sydney Diabetes (WSD) director Professor Glen Maberly said diet and lifestyle plays a huge role in beating the diabetes epidemic in western Sydney.

“Nearly half the population in western Sydney is either affected by, or at risk of developing, type 2 diabetes,” Prof Maberly said.

“You are more likely to have diabetes if you live in western Sydney than if you live in the eastern suburbs of Sydney or the northern beaches.

“Routine testing for type 2 diabetes continues at Blacktown and Mount Druitt emergency departments, which has shown thirty percent of people tested were likely to have pre-diabetes, while 17 per cent were likely to have type 2 diabetes.

“These figures are similar to those identified during testing conducted at general practices in western Sydney.

“The good news is it’s possible to beat type 2 diabetes by making changes to your diet and lifestyle.

“A sustained weight loss of 2-4 kg can stop diabetes in its tracks.

“Daily exercise and a healthy diet low in processed foods, low in fat and sugar and full of fresh fruits and vegetables, will not only help to prevent diabetes, but will leave you feeling more energised.

“If you’ve been putting off your health, there’s no better time to start your health make-over than National Diabetes Week.”  

Footy competition entrants are encouraged to download a copy of the Western Sydney Diabetes Healthy Living Options booklet at https://www.westernsydneydiabetes.com.au/ for exercise inspiration.

Launched for National Diabetes Week, this booklet contains free or inexpensive exercise programs, health services and facilities available locally.

“We hope the Healthy Living Options booklet will motivate people to take the first step to improving their health,” Prof Maberly said.

“The best thing you can do for your health is to get active, get heathy and get tested for type 2 diabetes. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take the steps to beat it,” Prof Maberly said.  

You may be at risk of type 2 diabetes if you are an adult who:

• Has a family history of diabetes
• Leads an inactive lifestyle;
• Is overweight; or
• Has a Pacific Island, Indian subcontinent, Chinese, or South East Asian background. 

Competition entrants must be living in western Sydney. winners will be contacted on Friday 12 July 2019.

Entries will be placed into a draw to win. A big thank you to Bankwest Stadium for donating the tickets.