Volunteer Fiji – Diabetes and Nutritional Education

According to the World Health Organisation, Diabetes in the Pacific region is among the highest in the world. A study in 2013 found that almost 1 in 3 Fijian's is now diabetic. Obesity is a serious issue for island communities due to a lack of public health education in the face of readily available imported and local highly refined carbohydrate alongside the excessive consumption of oil in the daily diet. There is also a huge increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a result of poor diet, in particular diabetes and heart disease.

I'm taking leave in June this year (26 June to 2 July) to visit Fiji and work in villages near to Nadi and Lautoka providing general health assessments (weight, height, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar etc). I'll be working as a Clinical Nutritionist alongside other qualified health professionals in educating Fijian's about how to live a healthier lifestyle.

I super excited to have this opportunity and hope to be able to make a difference.

ABOUT ME

I'm a Clinical Nutritionist working in 2 busy practises on Sydney's Northern Beaches. I'm also a mum of 2 teenage children. I'm currently furthering my education by studying Naturopathy at Endeavour College of Natural Health. This mini escape to Fiji is in my mid-semester college break!

Please note that this fundraising website GoGetFunding collects 4% of all donations and an additional 2.9% if payment is via credit card. If you would like to donate personally to my account to avoid the fee, you are welcome to - just contact me for my details!