Move to push healthy living

THE DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION ASSOCIATION of Barbados (DHAB) is committed to greater urgency in engaging the public on prevention and healthy living.

Reflecting on their foundation, and continued efforts to sensitise the public on the complications of non-communicable diseases, president of the organisation Tyrone Lowe expressed that their 50th anniversary celebrations were a call to action.

“For us this historical moment is not just to reflect on five decades of commitment, advocacy and progress, but to ignite a renewed urgency in our fight against the growing epidemic.

“Prevention is our most powerful event. That means making better food choices, embracing active lifestyles, managing stress and enduring and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need to live,” he said.

Lowe made his remarks during Sunday’s church service at the James Street Methodist Street in The City in commemoration of the organisation’s 50th anniversary.

The president declared that in the coming months, the DHAB will continue to engage committees, communities, policy makers, healthcare professionals and media in the critical conversation towards the non-communicable diseases.

He added that this year, they marked the launch of the “Know your numbers” campaign, encouraging

the public to track their sugar level, pressure, cholesterol, and body mass index.

“These are critical health indicators that provide insight into your overall well being… if you are able to know your numbers, it gives you the power to live well if your numbers are good, or to adjust and discard bad practices if your numbers are bad,” he said.

Throughout the year they will also be delivering 50 care packages across each parish, aiming to reach people who are facing isolation because of blindness or any other kinds of immobility.

“We want that because people feel that their health condition does not eliminate them from benefiting feelings of importance. So we want to reach out,” he said. (JRN)