World Diabetes Day targets children and adolescents
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Contact: Chris Satney
Friday, 14 November 2008 – Saint Lucia along with the rest of the world is observing this year’s World Diabetes Day by bringing the disease to light, with the hope of protecting future generations through the education and awareness.
Countries around the world were being encouraged ahead of the observance, on November 14th, to light up their iconic monuments in blue, as a shining example of what needs to be done by everyone in addressing the high rate of diabetes, particularly among children.
As part of activities to observe the day, Government House as well as other iconic Saint Lucian symbols including the Central Market, Derek Walcott Square and Bibeau Park will be lit up in blue. The Saint Lucia Diabetic and Hypertensive Association has also organised blood glucose and pressure testing as well as a school’s rally, with the Ministry of Education.
Executive Director of the Diabetic and Hypertensive Association said the activity will commence at the Derek Walcott Square from 11:30am.
“We will be marching to the Vigie Complex and will be accompanied by the royal Saint Lucia Police Band. When we get to the Complex, there will be a rally with talks by the Minister for Health and other dignitaries, and we will have an exhibition to show the children exactly what they should be doing in terms of trying to fight the disease,” he said.
Meantime Minister for Health and Wellness Honourable Dr. Keith Mondesir in a televised message to the nation on occasion of World Diabetes Day said the country must take heed of the disturbing statistics which puts Saint Lucia as having one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world.
“I am appealing to Saint Lucians, particularly young people on the need to watch our diet and our weight. We have to exercise and have to be careful if we have families with diabetes, to get tested on a regular basis,” said the minister. World Diabetes Day is being observed under the theme Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.” |
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