(Scarborough, Tobago – November 6th, 2017): November 1st marked the start of Diabetes Awareness Month and the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) will once again support the Bovell Cancer Diabetes Foundation (BCDF) for its 9th Annual Diabetes in the Limelight Jamboree. The event will take place on November 10th, 2017 at the Cyd Gray Stadium in Roxborough, Tobago from 10:00 a.m.
The BCDF is an incorporated, charitable foundation based in Trinidad and Tobago with a mission to enrich the lives of people living with cancer and diabetes by providing financial resources, support and preventative and management education. The Jamboree, which is part of the World Diabetes Day Campaign, aims to continue helping the Tobago and Trinidad public better understand the serious threat that diabetes poses to individuals, families and communities, and to create awareness about how to prevent and/or delay diabetes and its complications. The BCDF is grateful to the TRHA for its years of continued support. According to the BCDF, “The event would not be a success without the participation of the TRHA.”
The Authority will be providing human resources for health screening services (blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol), conducting nutrition education sessions and presenting information about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the treatment of diabetic ulcers. Acting General Manager Primary Care Services of the TRHA, Dr. Randy Thomas, noted that more persons are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes every year in Tobago.
“The TRHA continues to put programs and services in place for members of the public to access information on preventative measures for non-communicable diseases. However, we continue to see a large number of persons who access care much too late. Many even admit that they were unaware that they were at risk for diabetes. We’re asking persons to pause and pay attention to their health. Maintain your weight through exercise and healthy eating, and know your numbers (blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, waist circumference and body mass index) as part of a regular medical check-up; keep them in check and if you develop symptoms do not ignore them” urged Dr. Thomas.
Some common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, feeling very thirsty, feeling very hungry – even though you are eating, blurry vision, cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, tingling, pain or numbness in the hands/feet and extreme fatigue.
Anyone experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, frequently, is encouraged to visit a doctor or the nearest Health Centre.