NEWPORT BUS DRIVERS TESTED FOR DIABETES IN THEIR LUNCH BREAKS

Bus drivers in Newport are being given free health checks for diabetes while on their lunch breaks as part of a partnership drive between Newport Bus and Diabetes UK Cymru.

More than 150 bus drivers employed by Newport Bus will benefit from the scheme which began this week at Newport Bus Station.

Each of the drivers is being offered a one-to-one consultation with a diabetes specialist from the charity. The consultations involve the person’s height, weight and waist measurements being taken and used alongside the results of a simple lifestyle questionnaire to determine how much at risk they are of having or developing type 2 diabetes.

The scheme is being run in the drivers’ canteen at Newport Bus Station and already more than 40 drivers have taken part. Staff of Newport Transport, which operates Newport Bus, will also be able to take part in the initiative which runs every Tuesday for the next four weeks.

One in 20 people in the Newport area are diagnosed as having diabetes (the equivalent of 7,500 people), while many are at risk of developing the condition without even knowing it. Diabetes UK Cymru is one of Newport Bus’ chosen charities for 2011 and the health check clinics form an important part of its work raising awareness of the risks of diabetes and the symptoms of the condition.

Bus driver Justin Rossiter said: “I think this is a fantastic idea. I lead a reasonably healthy lifestyle, but the team from Diabetes UK Cymru had some great advice on how with some very simple changes I could improve things even more and make sure that I’m doing my best not to be at risk of developing diabetes.”

Fellow bus driver Andy Watt added: “I didn’t realise just how many people can be affected by diabetes. Knowing whether you are at risk or not certainly gives you the motivation to try and improve your health.”

Dai Williams, National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “Diabetes is a serious life-long condition, which is increasing rapidly in Gwent and across the rest of Wales. The health check clinics with bus drivers at Newport Bus are an important way of raising awareness of how people can be at risk of developing this condition without them even knowing it.

Scott Pearson, Managing Director of Newport Transport, which runs Newport Bus, said: “The health of all of our staff members is of paramount importance to us. That doesn’t just mean providing a safe working environment for them, but also offering opportunities for them to improve their lifestyles outside of work.

“Our partnership with Diabetes UK Cymru means that we can ensure each of them has the opportunity of learning more about the risks of this condition. We will be working with the charity in supporting and helping its awareness initiatives and fundraising events across Newport.”

Ends

PIC CAPTION: BUS DRIVER JUSTIN ROSSITER LEARNS WHAT HE CAN DO TO LOWER HIS RISKS OF DEVELOPING DIABETES FROM THE DIABETES UK CYMRU TEAM.

For more information, images or interviews please contact Noel Davies, Marketing and Public Relations, 01633 661884, noel.davies@newporttransport.co.uk.