Diabetes is becoming one of the most widely spread health conditions affecting Jamaica.it is said to be a coloured people disease .However studies have shown that in countries where the majority of blacks reside it is not as problematic as in the Caribbean. Studies have been proven that it is more of a diet and life style disease.
- Recent studies have proven that type 2 diabetes affects many individuals who are obese . If one goes on a vegetarian diet and exercise cutting out most of the fats and carbohydrates they could almost reverse one's diabetes as long as the pancreas is producing insulin. At the same time s/he would experience a reduction in weight.
- How would you like to take up this challenge , For 6 weeks just eat dark green leafy, yellow, purple and red vegetables, grains, peas and nuts, Take small amount of fruits like 1/2 a banana, small piece of any fruit 6 red and purple berries. Do, moderate walking drink 6-8 glasses of water daily and.
- Do not consume more than 1,300 calories ,It would be good if you could take your meals 2 times. daily. if you feel hunger drink water. if the hunger get too much have a light snack no sugar nor sugary drinks.
- Get access to a scale and a glucose machine . At the end of 6 weeks send me a message from the contact box to inform me on just what has happened and how you are feeling .I would be happy to hear from you.
The Hanover Diabetes Support group Headed by Dr. Clive Mc.Kenzie whose Head office is located in Hopewell Hanover has recognized the escalating problem of diabetes and has been offering help to the Hanover communities in the way of free Education , medication and counselling.
The group meet on the last Wednesday of each month at Sky Beach restaurant to educate members and to plan strategies for helping individuals.
Each year they have a fund raiser project dubbed Jamaica Night .This takes in Jamaican traditional dishes which often include escoveitch fish, Jamaica rundung, roasted breadfruit, manish water, codfish fritters, Jamaica rum punch, potato and cormeal pudding, coconut drops, a gizzada and banana bread, just to name a few ; all served with back drop of real Jamaica music
The event is usually well supported and is usually held near the easter season. You can watch out for this event and lend your support in donations and attendance or simple just purchase a ticket for the event.
In the summer they usually have a big health fair and have partnerned with the Liones club of the USA to give care packages , health checks , books, clothing and medical equipment and supplies to individuals who access the services.
At different times during the year the group do health fairs in selected communities and partner with the Ministry of Health to deliver health checks and education .The group do outreach activities by visiting schools and churches to develope an awareness to diabetes especially in children who often coming down with the problem of diabetes.
The photos above show the 2017 club in action at the summer health fair with the Liones Club from the USA.
This group along with Liones club had another well support health fair again in June 2018
We want to commend the group and ask that you lend them your support by attending there monthly meetings. There you will be educated on aspect an of diabetes at each meeting and you can participate in serving the people of Hanover and Jamaica.
We had slowed down a bit during COVID 19 but we are up again . Recently Nov.22 we had a Forum on diabetes for individuals in Sandy Bay and individuals in the Hopewell district it will greately appreciated.
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Contributing author
Soycriada.
