Full Slate of Activities for Diabetes Week 2011

KINGSTON — A full slate of activities is scheduled for this year's observance of Diabetes Week from November 13 to 19 under the theme: 'Diabetes Education and Prevention'.

Organised by the Diabetes Association of Jamaica (DAJ) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the observance seeks to increase awareness about the chronic health condition.

Executive Director of the DAJ, Owen Bernard, said activities kick off with a church service on Sunday, November 13 at the Boulevard Baptist Church, St. Andrew, starting at 9:30 a.m.

Monday, November 14 will be celebrated as World Diabetes Day, with a number of events throughout the island to educate Jamaicans about diabetes and its complications.

Among the highlights of the week will be a walk/run on November 19, which will start and finish at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.  

"The aim of the walk is to promote physical activity. We are trying to encourage not just the adults, but the children to come out and walk not more than five kilometres. Those youngsters with diabetes will walk two kilometers," Mr. Bernard said.

Throughout the week, screenings will be conducted at various branches of the DAJ and persons are advised to visit the branches in their parishes.

Mr. Bernard is encouraging persons to participate in the week’s activities. “Corporate groups will be doing presentations, and so on, heightening awareness and reminding people that diabetes is not one of those death sentences, you can live your normal life while being productive,” he stated.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter