by Bennett Roach
Dr. B Kassim, Valerie Lynch and Agatha Aspin
The Montserrat Diabetes Association (MDA) always tries to hold its annual general meeting (AGM) during the week, World Diabetes Day is observed, and did so again this year.
At this meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 13, President of the MDA Valarie Lewis Lynch in her report stressed the need for everyone to take urgent action to reduce and reverse the diabetes trend. She noted, the IDA’s theme of “education, and prevention”
World Diabetes Day was observed the following day, November 14, when Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO recommends: “Know your risk and warning signs, get the care you need”.
A release stated, ‘Half of people who have diabetes don’t know it’. “An estimated 371 million people around the world suffer from diabetes, but half are unaware they have the disease, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation. In the Americas, some 10% of the adult population—nearly 63 million people—have diabetes, but an estimated 44% of them don’t know it.”
Mrs. Lewis Lynch said the campaign slogan for the past two years which is “Diabetes Protect Our Future”, is essentially reinforcing the need for education and prevention efforts to support children since they are the future.
Mrs. Agatha Aspin was the chairman for the AGM which was held at a replacement venue at the Roman Catholic St. Patrick’s Church in Lookout. The MDA members which turned out in good numbers, still not enough as the call was for more people to join the Association, listened to a Treasurer and President’s report along with a feature address delivered by resident surgeon Dr. Brimah Kassim who spoke on the well-received topic ‘sugar’ generally as it relates to diabetes.
Entertainment by Nurse Stanley (member of the Nurse Violet Brown & Friends team) was outstanding.
There followed on the agenda, an affirmation of amendments to the Associations Constitution and and confirmation of a new Trustee.
A vote of thanks by Mr. Trevor Howe followed by light refreshments rounded up the evening’s meeting. The Association holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month in a small building to the right near the entrance of the Glendon Hospital, where all are welcome.
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO), is encouraging people throughout the Americas to learn about the risks and warning signs of diabetes, to take steps to prevent the disease, and, if they develop diabetes, to seek the care they need.
The MDA celebrated a full week of activities which began on Sunday, Nov 10 with a church service, radio presenation by the president, radio quiz throughout the week and ending tomorrow with a funding raising breakfast sale and free blood glucose checks.
