Sun Life has announced the launch of the Sun Life Financial Child and Youth Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Initiative, funded by a $2 million commitment to Canada's Children's Hospital Foundations (CCHF).

This national initiative, harnesses the power of Canada's 13 pediatric hospitals to provide preventative strategies and promote a healthier future for children at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, says an announcement issued Oct. 12.

Awareness and education

"Awareness and education are the greatest tools we have to help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes," said Lisa Ritchie, Senior Vice-President & Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life Financial. "We are honoured to be able to team up with Canada's Children's Hospital Foundations and their network of esteemed pediatric experts to make a positive impact in our communities and continue our fight against the disease."

Standardized and consistent advice

Through the Sun Life Financial Child and Youth Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Initiative, diabetes experts at children's hospitals across Canada will create educational resources to promote the prevention of type 2 diabetes. These include: a toolkit for healthcare professionals to help address obesity and its related risks in a sensitive and effective manner; a Resource Hub for families and healthcare professionals; a Recipe Blog targeted at teens featuring healthy recipes and a Food Skills and Facilitator's Guide focused on teaching nutrition literacy to teens.

"The work that will result from this partnership will help fill a gap by providing standardized and consistent advice and tools for families," said Mark Hierlihy, President and CEO, CCHF.