Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Tamaki College Science Students and Liggins Diabetes Presentation

Diabetes Presentation Report

Through the Scientist-Mentor Scheme at the Liggins Institute at the University of Auckland, students at Tamaki College had the chance to participate in the program as student scientists at the University of Auckland. During the early part of this year, those students involved were introduced to the subject of Diabetes, a major epidemic in NZ and especially important in the Polynesian communities. The students researched how diabetes is caused, how the disease is treated, what other diseases it could lead to if not treated, and who is at greatest risk.
After intensive study, the students then developed a Diabetes presentation evening to present to the Tongan community of Tamaki College. Each student had created a poster on an aspect of Diabetes:
Jack Siskefu – the role of Insulin
Diane Lee Kum – The thrify gene and diabetes
Davina Fa’atoe – Diabetes and our diets
Alex Temu – Diabetes and exercise
Leon Forbes – Diabetes and exercise
Sequioa Wills – Diabetes and low birth weights
Shelby Niuloa – Diabetes and diet
Christine Savele – Obesity and diabetes
We also prepared a combined powerpoint presentation to accompany our oral presentation to the Tongan Community Group. The topic was of great interest to the focus groups as our research had shown that diabetes and obesity are two very important health issues in our community.
The overall presentation was a kind of motivational tool for the students involved, both in giving them an idea how to change their lives, and in how to make important life-changes.

Jack Sisikefu



2 comments:

RKELLY said...

This looks really interesting. Diabetes is a really big problem in our community. I also really enjoyed the slideshow with your posters. Great to see some ex Tamaki Primary students!!!
Mrs. Kelly

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.