WE?ARE OFTEN reminded that non-communicable diseases are in essence lifestyle diseases and that appropriate adjustments in eating habits and a set pattern of exercise may alleviate some of their more severe consequences.
One would therefore have expected that all Barbadians affected or predisposed to some of these maladies, in particular diabetes, would have been so aware of the need to practice the kind of lifestyles that would lead to a diminution in the incidence of diabetes.
Human nature being what it is, one would not have expected to find growth in the incidence of the disease among younger people, since the message should have gotten through to them at an age young enough to stave off the onset of the disease.
Alas, there is an increasing incidence of diabetes among schoolchildren, and teachers are not allowed to assist these youngsters with the medication when it has to be taken while at school.
It is therefore useful at this time of festivities to throw out a word of caution to all Barbadians, young and old alike, that greater attention must be paid to a balanced approach to their enjoyment of the season!
It is just as well in this connection that Barbados was represented at the inaugural Young Leaders in Diabetes Programme in Dubai. The mission of that exercise was to raise awareness of diabetes by being a powerful voice for prevention, education, access to quality care and improved quality of life and to prevent discrimination against diabetics.
According to Noreen Merritt, president of the Diabetes Association of Barbados, she has been gifted a young team of volunteers, who are willing to become the advocates of the cause.
No matter the historical and genetic predisposition which makes some of us more likely than others to be victims of this dreaded affliction, we must remain aware that in very many respects, we are what we eat. Many years of eating the wrong foods, and in excess to boot, and practising the wrong habits without appropriate exercise, will almost certainly produce health problems which might have been avoided.
Public support for this latest initiative is therefore vital. Diabetes is not only a health issue – it is an economic issue gravely affecting productivity, and when it causes death as a consequence of complications, families are deprived of breadwinners.
Every available resource should be pressed into the fight on these issues. Lifestyle changes in eating and exercise habits need not be costly, but the benefits to the community are many, and this message must never be lost on a single person as we go about our daily lives.
A healthier person leads to a better nation!
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