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The Inuvik wellness team toured the town this week to promote healthy living and good nutrition. They made a stop at the Aurora College campus to talk with administrators and students about what to look for in drinks and food. The crew included, from left, Crystal Navratil, Audra Donison, Sue Clarkson, Michelle Lennie and Chris Beveridge. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Team on tour promoting healthy living

Dez Loreen
Northern News Services
Friday, June 8, 2007

INUVIK - A team of health workers toured Inuvik last week to inform people about making healthy living choices.

Regional nutritionist Audra Donison was one of the health workers who spoke to people about making the right diet choices.

Donison said the group gave 45 minute presentations about different issues affecting people in the region.

"I want people to be aware of what they are drinking on a day to day basis," said Donison.

Her presentation, named "Rethink your drink" focused on a variety of household drinks and the effect they have on your body.

"I want people to look at the drinks they are choosing, how much extra sugar and sometimes fat and calories they get in their drinks," said Donison.

She said water is a good healthy drink, as an alternative to pop or sugary juices.

She added that milk is important and under consumed in the region.

Donison also said that she encourages people to eat fruits instead of drinking the juices.

"You get more fibre and you can fill yourself up with fruits, there are more benefits than just drinking the juice by itself," said Donison.

Health worker Chris Beveridge said he focused on rabies for his presentation. Beveridge said that there has been an increase in the number of reported rabies cases in the area.

"We've seen cases north and south of Inuvik," he said.

Beveridge said he talked to the people about the risks that come with rabies and how to prevent it.

"It's important to keep your pets vaccinated," he said.

Beveridge said people were receptive to his presentation and asked him questions when he was done.

"There are a lot of people with animals, so they were concerned about how to get vaccinated and things," he said.

Sue Clarkson was also with the group as a diabetes educator. She said her presentation dealt with risk factors.

"We look at people who may fall into risk categories and find ways to avoid the disease," said Clarkson.

"It's not just a problem in Inuvik or the region, it's all over the place."

Clarkson said that people are curious about when to see a doctor and if they have risk factors.

"There is always an opportunity for people to learn more," she said.

The tour wrapped up on Monday afternoon.