By Samira Larbie
Accra, Dec 4,GNA- El-Wak Keepfit Club, has held the maiden edition of its “Diabetes Awareness Aerobics” with a call on Ghanaians to check their diabetes status and exercise regularly.
The event organised in collaboration with Brighter Purpose Group, a Consulting Firm, formed part of activities to commemorate the 2022 World Diabetes Day, and diabetes awareness month, in November.
World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14 every year, provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue, discuss what needs to be done, collectively and individually, for better prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.
The global theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Access to diabetes education’.
The event dubbed ‘Diabetes Awareness Aerobics saw several keep fit and social clubs, diabetic patients, medical officials and others participate in the exercise.
Dr Madeez Adamu-Issah, the Chief Patron, El-Wak Keepfit Club, said knowing one’s status of diabetes was important as the disease affected health greatly.
He said the problem with diabetes was not about the sugar levels going up but rather people not having medical checks to know their status and urged the public to exercise regularly, have their medical checks and take their medications seriously.
Mrs Maabena Ohene-Kena Webb, the Managing Director of Brighter Purpose Group Limited, sensitized participants on type one and type two diabetes.
She said diabetes was now considered an epidemic because one in 10 adults were being diagnosed of the disease hence the need for people to be aware.
“So, diabetes is something we all need to be aware of and raise awareness so, that people can take better care of themselves, be mindful of what they eat, increase their physical activity level to avoid complications associated with the disease,” Mrs Webb stated.
Some of the complications she mentioned included blindness, stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and more.
Mrs Webb said one way to avoid diabetes due to lifestyle was regular exercise and advised the public to engage in that more ,while reducing their carbohydrate intake for a long and better life.
Brighter Purpose Group Limited is also the lead importer of Splenda a zero calorie sweetner.
GNA