The easy and simple test you can do to check for diabetes

DIABETES is a serious condition which can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes and feet if left untreated. Often, people with diabetes don't get any symptoms which means it can take up to 10 years before they are diagnosed. But there is an easy test that almost everyone already does, which can check for the condition; an eye examination. Those suffering with diabetes are up to 20 times more likely to lose their sight than those without the condition. However, only 1 in 5 adults are aware that their optician can detect the signs. That is why, this Diabetes Awareness Week, that runs over 10 June to 16 June 2019, Specsavers stores in Southport and Formby are highlighting the importance of having regular eye tests. Specsavers recommends everyone should get an eye test once every 2 years and those over 55 should get their hearing checked once a year.

Victoria Dunn from Specsavers in Southport and Formby, says:- "An estimated 1 million people in the UK are living with diabetes without even realising it; meaning they're at huge risk of developing serious eye health complications and even sight loss. Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health conditions today; fuelled by record levels of obesity, excessive sugar consumption and sedentary lifestyles. If we continue to turn a blind eye to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as a result, we can only expect to see the number of undiagnosed cases escalate."

A complication of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy where high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye. If left untreated it can cause blindness. Victoria Dunn adds:- "Diabetic retinopathy is 1 of the leading causes of blindness among people of working age in the UK[,so it's hugely important that diabetes is detected early and monitored correctly to avoid furthering the risks. At Specsavers, we offer digital retinal photography for free as part of a standard eye test for customers aged over 40. This takes a detailed picture of the back of your eye and the microcirculation of blood; helping to highlight indicators of diabetes that need addressing and monitoring."

Liverpool set to salute its Armed Forces

ATTENTION!!! Liverpool is preparing to salute its Armed Forces community in style this year as it launches its best ever Armed Forces Week... Not only will civic buildings be lit up red, white and blue from 24 June to 30 June 2019, Liverpool City Council's Culture Team has been working with businesses and organisations in the City to offer serving members of the regular and reserve forces, veterans, and their families a whole host of offers to say an extra special:- "thank you."

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Peter Brennan said:- "Armed Forces Day has become a real tradition in Liverpool. The City is truly committed to saluting all the men and women who are serving, who have served and also all the young people who are cadets and those who give their time to work with them. This year we are really pleased that businesses across the City have wanted to get involved by setting up offers as another way of saying 'thank you.' We've been overwhelmed with the response and thank them all for their support."

Over 50 offers are available including:-

► Stores and restaurants throughout Liverpool ONE.

► Liverpool BID.

► The Marriot Hotel.

► Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.

► The Beatles Story.

► Cavern City Tours.

► Mattel Play.

► Merseytravel.

► Arriva Stagecoach.

Donna Howitt, marketing director at Liverpool ONE, said:- "Many of our retailers at Liverpool ONE have pledged their support by offering special discounts and we're thrilled to be marking such a special day. We're extremely proud to join the City in celebrating those who have served our country and honouring those who are serving today."

For the full list of current offers please visit:- ArmedForcesDayLiverpool.Com.  Please check the terms and conditions as these differ between individual offers.

As well as being able to treat the family throughout the week, there will also be the traditional events on:- 'Armed Forces Day,' Saturday, 29 June:-

► 10:30 to 11am to Drumhead Service at Our Lady and St Nicholas Parish Church (attendance is by invitation only.)

► 11:15am - Tri service parade led by the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Scotland to the gates of the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool where the event will be officially opened by Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Peter Brennan.

► 10am to 4pm - Military exhibition at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.

The Royal Albert Dock Liverpool event will feature military assets as well as the 208 Field Hospital with a Battlefield Ambulance, the RNLI's virtual reality experience, the Medical Memories Roadshow, and a replica 1st World War Boy Scout Ambulance.  There will also be performances from School and community choirs, face painting on board the Royal British Legion's Poppy Bus, National Museums Liverpool will showcase items from their military collections, and the Western Approaches will be bringing items from the Second World War.

During the week you will also be able to find out more about Liverpool's Armed Forces community, including reservists and cadets, thorough a series of blogs that will posted on:- CultureLiverpool.Co.UK.