VANCOUVER - I have Sugar…Why should you? is the question a unique new play poses to Vancouver’s South Asian Community. Written and performed in Punjabi by an all-South-Asian cast, I have Sugar will have the audience agreeing they don’t want it.
The play explores what happens in a family when one member is diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in Canada and the incidence among South Asians is much higher compared to other Canadians.
Public Health Nurse Manav Gill says this is an all too common occurrence in the South Asian Community. "A person is diagnosed with diabetes but has a hard time adjusting to this new reality. They also face challenges within the family" she says. Gill wrote and directs
I Have Sugar and says that many high fat and sweet South Asian dishes aren’t suitable for people with diabetes. The play offers the whole family tools to make necessary changes, including healthier ways to prepare traditional foods.
"Many people think once you’re diagnosed, you must give up your favorite foods - like samosas. This doesn’t have to be the case, as long as they are prepared in a healthier way, like baking instead frying." The play also presents a strong message on how a healthier overall lifestyle for the entire family can prevent the disease.
The idea for the play came out of a community health forum held last September. Participants identified a strong need to get the message of diabetes prevention and management to the community. The performance will include a cooking demonstration and a discussion facilitated by a Vancouver Coastal Health educator. Health professionals will be on hand from the South Asian community to answer questions and resource materials will be available.
What: The world premiere of I have Sugar…Why Should You?
When: Thursday June 26 at 6 p.m.
Where: David Thompson Secondary School Auditorium, 1755 East 55th Ave. Vancouver
Vancouver Coastal health
Manav Gill
Public Health Nurse
Tel: 604.321.6151
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