There's a little talking and a little walking that takes place during the local Diabetes Canada Walk & Talk Saturday morning program.
It's a popular 10-week event that offers short talks by medical experts and knowledgeable community members followed by a guided walk around city parks and trails.
The program is open to everyone interested and rain or shine it's always a go.
The focus of the short presentation offers advice on diabetes management like foot care, vision care, healthy eating, and how to keep motivated to exercise, which is all good information for the general public as well.
Norm Easson is a three-year participant of the program that recently began its spring session.
Neither Norm or his wife Colleen have diabetes but really appreciate the advice given as well as the chance to walk with a group of like-minded people.
"It's open to participants at all activity levels," Easson said.
The walk is 45 minutes of low-impact exercise and people are encouraged to move at their own pace.
For safety's sake there is a volunteer leading the walk, another in the middle of the pack of walkers and one that brings up the rear to ensure everyone is comfortable and if people wish to return to the start early, they are escorted back by a program volunteer.
"You can walk as slow or as fast and as long or as little as you're comfortable doing," Easson said about the free program. "And there are incentives and prizes for participants."
Practical items are up for offer like hand lotion, sunscreen and compression socks.
"Each time it's a surprise," Easson laughed.
The program not only offers information and exercise but there's an all-important social component to walking in a large group that really appeals to participants, he added.
"It's something nice to do on a Saturday morning and it gives you a chance to see some people that you know and haven't seen for ages and meet a whole bunch of new ones."
For more information or to register visit the local Diabetes Canada office at 490 Quebec St. or email [email protected] or call 250-561-9284.
