Negligent adults not taking ailment seriously
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AS the St. Kitts Diabetes Association is continuing with its island-wide outreach programmes, officials at the association said they have discovered more at-risk children in primary and secondary schools.
Last week, which was locally recognized as Diabetes Week, the association had conducted a number of programmes, including going into high schools and enlightening students about the effects and consequences of using too much sugar.
Commenting on their week of activities, Public Relations Officer, Dr. Reginald O’Loughlin disclosed that on a visit to the Dr. William Connor Primary School, they found a number of students there that are deemed “at risk”.
He told SKNVibes News that “we have observed increased numbers of at-risk children who would not only have family history, but by virtue of their weight and inactivity”.
Moreover, the MD explained that during the week they held a public screening exercise, where they tested over 140 individuals and found a few new cases.
However, it was pointed out that many of those screened confessed to having Diabetes but stated that they were not taking it seriously.
“There were one or two new cases, and there were some cases where people knew they were diabetic but were not taking it seriously. So, when they saw the numbers, when they saw the results, it generated some scare. And those people were quickly referred to their physicians so that they could at least address it as quickly as possible.”
He noted that it is for that same reason they are carrying out such screening exercises.
O’Loughlin indicated that the week of activities went according to plan, starting off with a church service at the St. George’s Church.
That was followed by a meeting at various high schools on Monday and Tuesday, last, where they interacted with students “to increase their awareness and to sensitize them about problems related to Diabetes”.
They also held a panel discussion on television Monday evening, which O’Loughlin indicated was well received by the public.
“We are still getting good comments and various calls from people who looked at the programme itself.”
The week culminated on Saturday with a walk for Diabetes, which the doctor noted that the number of participants were less than usual.
He informed that many had committed to the early morning event, but there was a clash with another walk scheduled for that same afternoon.
