My comments on Guyana’s Ministry of Health New sponsor-a-child drive for Children with Diabetes
March 2, 2008
Since childhood diabetes is a precursor to so many other health related conditions including heart disease and possibly some types of cancer, it is heartening to see that steps are being taken to address the issue.
Since today’s children are the future of Guyana it is worth the investment…. so hats off to the sponsors of this uplifting program. Good habits learned will tend to follow a person through life, and if managed properly, one can live with diabetes and still have a productive, “normal” life.
However having worked with glucometers or the “fingerstick machine” as it is commonly known, I wonder if these children or their care givers have been properly trained in the use of the instrument or in the proper “fingerstick” procedure. This is one aspect of the program that may require a careful look, if it has not already been done. A slight deviation from proper technique is likely to skew results. Moreover, have the families been educated as to the proper storage of the strips?? (Moisture, humidity etc, etc.)
Anyway, good nutrition also plays a key role in management of diabetes. It is not only what we eat, but also how we eat it. For example steamed vs. fried, different types of oils, use of salt. Family support is very essential here, and it is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to learn health habits together.
The other thing that is important is exercise. Children and whole families can stay healthy while exercising together. Just simple walks on a daily basis has been proven to improve health, not only physical, but mental health which in turn translates to an elevated state of being.
Last but not least, children are children. It is important for them to do the things that children would normally do without constantly being reminded of their disease. It is important for them to acclimate to the environment and understand that this disease for now incurable and understanding and coping at at early age will more than likely ensure better management habits as adults.
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Bug Chick
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2 Responses to “My comments on Guyana’s Ministry of Health New sponsor-a-child drive for Children with Diabetes”
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Glad to see there’s some focus on the positive things the government is doing.
To the person who wrote this article:
Maybe you should bring forward your ideas DIRECTLY to the Ministry of Health in Guyana. These are excellent suggestions you are making. I am sure it will make the program very successful. Go for it!