TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, on World Diabetes
Day, Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) is proud to
announce a $1 million commitment to
the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Foundation to launch the Sun
Life Financial Diabetes College (SLFDC). As the next step in
advancing the Sun Life Financial commitment to holistic health, the
goal of the SLFDC is to help improve wellness around the globe
through diabetes prevention and management. This online resource is
available to people who have been identified as having diabetes or
prediabetes.
"We firmly believe that individuals with chronic illness such as
diabetes have the power to take charge of their own health through
certain lifestyle changes," said Dean
Connor, President & Chief Executive Officer, Sun Life
Financial. "The SLFDC is a testament to the hard work being done to
enhance new programs, new spaces and new research agendas that will
stand at the forefront of medical advancements."
The SLFDC officially launches today, with full implementation
expected by June 2017. Featuring a
curriculum of five interactive modules, content includes such
topics as how to prevent, manage and treat diabetes, healthy eating
and active lifestyle tips, and information on diabetes
complications and medications.
"The SLFDC is an open, accessible resource for anybody who wants
to take control of their diabetes," said Dr. Paul Oh, Medical Director, Cardiovascular
Prevention and Rehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehabilitation
Institute. "Through the SLFDC, we're increasing access to
physician-verified information and healthy behaviour programs to
individuals regardless of barriers such as geography, financial
constraints and language."
According to the Sun Life Financial Canadian Health Index,
one-in-five Canadians believe they are at risk of developing
diabetes, yet the majority has not been screened in the past 12
months. That's why Sun Life Financial is making it easy for clients
and employees to take charge of their health with new initiatives
across the business, such as: a commitment to expanding the
innovation agenda – through digital and other health solutions – in
order to respond to clients' needs and changing expectations; the
opportunity to review blood test results online to determine risk
of developing diabetes after applying for life or critical illness
insurance; and partnering with leading organizations such as the
Canadian Diabetes Association and Carrot Rewards to launch a pilot
program for Group Benefits clients in British Columbia, making it easy to adopt
healthy habits to prevent and manage diabetes.
Sun Life Financial takes a holistic approach to supporting the
well-being of clients, employees and communities with the end goal
of helping to achieve physical, mental and financial resiliency
both now and in the future. Sun Life Financial has proudly
committed more than $17 million in
support of diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research
initiatives since announcing support of the cause in late 2012.
About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services
organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth
products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun
Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide,
including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong
Kong, the Philippines,
Japan, Indonesia, India, China,
Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group
of companies had total assets under management of $908 billion. For more information please visit
www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New
York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the
ticker symbol SLF.
About Toronto Rehabilitation Institute
As the world-leading rehabilitation research centre, Toronto
Rehabilitation Institute is revolutionizing rehabilitation by
helping people overcome the challenges of disabling injury, illness
or age related health conditions to live active, healthier, more
independent lives. It integrates innovative patient care, ground
breaking research and diverse education to build healthier
communities and advance the role of rehabilitation in the health
system. Toronto Rehab, along with Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, the
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and The Michener Institute for
Education at UHN is a member of the University Health Network and
is affiliated with the University of
Toronto. www.uhn.ca.
Toronto Rehab Foundation raises funds for Toronto Rehabilitation
Institute. www.torontorehabfoundation.com.
Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian
dollars.
Media Relations Contact:
Alessandra Nigro
Manager, Corporate Communications
Sun Life Financial
T. 416-979-4884
C. 416-859-6918
alessandra.nigro@sunlife.com
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.