A health fair hosted recently by the Culture, Health, Arts Sports and Education Fund (CHASE) in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, saw hundreds of  residents coming to the Rudolph Elder Park to take the opportunity to   receive  free health checks and advise on various health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure,  cholesterol,  dental care, as well as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

During the many tests taken by the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, it was revealed that a number of persons were ignoring the seriousness of their condition and had to be referred to their health care provider for follow-up treatment. 

According to Mrs. Lola Neckles, Branch Manager of the Diabetes Association, this condition is not "just a little sugar" as some describe it, but if not properly managed can result in stroke, blindness, heart attacks and do damage to the liver and kidney.

"Many persons who have the disease continue to act irresponsibly by their eating habits and not taking their medication as prescribed by their caregiver," said Mrs. Neckles.

Poor Eating Habits

Among the poor eating habits described by Mrs. Neckles were meals with an enormous amount of starch, fried and fatty foods and high sugar content.  "All food groups have a certain amount of sugar, so diabetics need not consume foods with high amounts of sugar.  The only time something sweet is needed is when patients are experiencing low blood sugar episodes," she said.  

Act Immediately on Low Blood Sugar Episodes

Some of the  symptoms of a low blood sugar episode include unusual sweating, feelings of disorientation, and shaking. She warns that low blood sugar episodes should be acted on immediately as diabetics could go into a coma which sometimes result in death. The person experiencing an episode, should immediately be given a liquid fruit juice (not diet drinks) and a meal shortly after, to raise the blood sugar back to its normal level. 

In continuing her valuable lessons Mrs. Neckles encourages diabetics to take frequent  A1c tests which gives a reading of the patient’s blood sugar history over a three month period.  This, she says, helps doctors to have a good picture of the diabetic’s status and whether they are at risk for developing complications.  She recommends the test three times per year for persons with non-controlled diabetes and those with controlled diabetes, once per year. 

The Diabetes Association Manager pointed to the grave challenges that diabetics face when they show lack of interest in their illness.  Among them was loss of limbs and eyesight, which she said can be a life changing experience and have negative and burdensome  impacts on the patient and their families.    

"If diabetes is controlled all complications can be avoided. With regular exercise, education on the condition, sugar level and blood pressure checks, as well as a proper meal plan, diabetics can live a healthy life," said Mrs. Neckles.

The residents also received free dental check ups and cleans; HIV tests and advice on healthy lifestyles from the Ministry of Health and presentations on disaster preparedness from the Office of the Disaster Preparedness. 

The health fair is held in a different parish each year by CHASE under its health portfolio to heighten awareness of healthy lifestyles and to educate the public on various diseases and issues affecting the population.