Cayman Brac Diabetes Health Fair 2020

On Saturday January 18th, the 5th annual Diabetes Health Fair was staged on the grounds of Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac. The theme for the event was, “DIABETES AND THE FAMILY.”

Mr. Dhallchand Seeram, veteran Pharmacist at the hospital, Rotarian and co-ordinator of the event got proceedings underway, as he welcomed attendees. He began by stating “Diabetes is a major killer of people globally. This undertaking is to educate residents about how they can effectively combat this threat,” he told the audience of about 100 people.

One of the excited residents in attendance Rejine said “I am happy to see residents come out to this promotion. Diabetes awareness is crucial. The number of people affected is rising yearly. As a result this fair is exposing us to the requisite lifestyle needed to be on the healthy side. Very informative and hats off to the organizers.”

Mrs. Annie Rose Scott of the Rotary Club led in the singing of the National Song, while Mrs. Maria Reid presented a heart-warming devotion which was followed by the song, “WALK, WALK, THE SPIRIT LIVES TO SET US FREE.”

Mr. Jonathan Tibbetts, Chairman of the Health Services Authority then gave his remarks. “I am so pleased to see everyone this morning. We need to know that Cayman Brac is seriously affected by Diabetes. In the past it was the adults who were severely affected, but now young and middle aged individuals have to grapple with it. That is serious for me. We should seek every opportunity to lend a helping hand to those affected. Always be there for someone you know is going through a rough time with it. My main suggestion is to stay active and there’s no harm in walking at least 15 minutes a day. God bless you all,” he concluded.

Mr. Seeram then presented to the attendees a fact sheet concerning this dangerous disease.

“Simply put, Diabetes is when there’s too much sugar in the blood stream. At Faith hospital we have a Diabetes Clinic every two weeks with all personnel involved. The number of people affected rose from 108million in 1980 to over 200 million by 2014. The condition is now a serious threat to low and middle income countries whose diet is made up mainly of rice and flour. Diabetes is the major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, amputations, bone and tooth loss, and death. In order to prevent the disease you must undertake a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintain a normal body weight, take regular screenings and very importantly take your meds,” he concluded.

Attendees were then invited to check out the various booths:

• PUBLIC HEALTH SCREENING - Weight and height, blood sugar, blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

• BAPTIST HEALTH - Services provided by this institution.

• DENATL SCREENING - By Dr. George and staff.

• ART - By Ms. Simone.

• CIDA - Cayman Islands Diabetes Association.

The closing remarks and vote of thanks were given by Mrs. Dana Scott who is the Infection Control/ Quality Assurance Co-ordinator at Faith Hospital. She gave high credence to the following sponsors:

• Cayman Islands Diabetes Association.

• Health Services Authority - Faith Hospital.

• Rotary Club of Cayman Brac.

• Lions Club of Cayman Brac.