JAMAICA
MOVES
WORLD DIABETES DAY A SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE
This year, World Diabetes Day is observed under the theme ‘Women & Diabetes’. This is extremely timely as recent data suggests that Diabetes is the leading cause of death among women over 5 years old. In fact, in 2015 over 1200 Jamaican women died from this disease alone. As together we focus on a healthier Jamaica, one where all citizens can enjoy More Moments, More Memories and More Life, we are encouraging you to make the right decisions towards better health. Through our Jamaica Moves initiative, we have and will continue to educate and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. We have been present in parishes across the island providing free health screenings, medical consultations and physical activity sessions because we believe it is important for you to know your health status and to provide you with the tools to lead a healthier life. It is our hope that once given these tools, you will bring them back to your family, friends and community at large . This month, in honour of our Jamaican women, who are the backbone of our families, we are asking you to #CutTheSugar . Eating excess sugar is linked to obesity which can lead to Diabetes. With this small step, we are guaranteed a healthier Jamaica - join us! How much Sugar is Recommended? WHO Recommends 6 - 9 Teaspoons of Sugar Daily
Dr. Chris Tufton Minister of Health
ARE YOU AT RISK OF DIABETES? Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not properly process food for use as energy. When you have diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood. Early Detection and treatment of diabetes can decrease your risk of developing complications associated with the disease. If you have any of these typical symptoms, consult your local health centre or visit your doctor .
Frequent urination
Impotence
Increased hunger and thirst
Extreme tiredness
Weight loss - even though you are eating more
Vaginal infections
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet
Cuts that are slow to heal
Blurry vision
DIABETES & WOMEN IN JAMAICA Did you know that 1 out of every 6 women in Jamaica will die from Diabetes? Did you know that these deaths could be prevented through doing routine health check ups and ‘balancing your life’ through 30 minutes of exercise each day, and eating healthy.
Here are 5 facts you should know about women and diabetes in Jamaica:
1 3 4
22% of diabetic women in
Jamaica are unaware that they have the disease.
2
More women have died from diabetes than men in Jamaica (2015)
Diabetes is the
#1
cause of death in women over the age of 5 in Jamaica.
37.7% of women in Jamaica are obese.
VS. 39% 61% women men
5
The prevalence of diabetes increases in women who are obese.
HAVE DIABETES?
TAKE CONTROL 1 2 3 4
AT EACH HEALTH VISIT MAKE SURE TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE ABOUT:
The medicines you are currently taking Your blood pressure Your blood sugar record Your current weight
5 6 7
Your feet Your current eating habits Your current exercise habits ENSURE YOU DO A HBA1C TEST AT LEAST TWICE PER YEAR
IF YOU ARE A DIABETIC YOU SHOULD HAVE: COMPLETE FOOT EXAM This will tell you if the nerves in your feet are functioning correctly.
URINE TEST (MICRO ALBUMIN TEST) This test identifies protein in the urine, which may be a sign of kidney disease.
BLOOD TEST (LIPID PROFILE BLOOD TEST) This test identifies fat in your blood. Fat in the blood can cause heart problems.
EYE TEST This tests the eye for any damage that can cause impaired vision or blindness.
3
REASONS TO CUT BACK ON SUGAR
There are so many health benefits to be gained by just cutting back on your daily intake of sugar. Here are some facts to help you. #CutTheSugar Sugar has a direct effect on how much you weigh. Eating more than the recommended daily intake of sugar can lead to weight gain which can lead to obesity and other non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. Sugar is highly addictive and has empty calories which have little nutritional value. The more sugar you eat, the more sugar you crave. Sugar is making your body sick! Eating too much sugar can suppress your immune system causing you to get sick often. There is also a clear link between eating excess sugar and mental disorders such as depression.
#CutTheSugar and drink more water!
#LessSugarMoreLife
DRINK
HEALTHY
CHOOSE
WATER HEALTHY SKIN: Drinking water can clear up your skin and help you to look fresh and glowing.
ENERGY: Being dehydrated can sap your energy and make you feel tired which can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, diziness and other symptoms.
BETTER EXERCISE: Being dehydrated can slow you down and make your workouts harder. It’s best to drink water at least two hours before and after you exercise.
DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS: Our digestive systems need water to digest food properly. Also, water can help to cure stomach problems and along with fibre can cure constipation.
HEADACHE CURE: Often when we have headaches it is caused simply by not drinking enough water.
FLUSH OUT TOXINS: Water is used by the body to flush out toxins and waste1. The more water you drink the better your kidneys will function.
WEIGHT LOSS: Water is one of the best tools to facilitate weight loss because it often replaces high-calorie drinks such as soft-drinks and alcohol. Water also is a great appetite suppresant, and often when we think we are hungry we’re just actually thirsty.
UNDERSTAND
WHAT YOU EAT to manage your Diabetes
It is important if you have diabetes to pay special attention to your overall diet. Knowing and understanding how to read food labels can help you to make better choices so that you can be in control of your health. Here are some tips on reading labels.
MY HEALTHY DAY Managing Diabetes
In 2015, a retired Judith noticed that although her eating habits had not changed and she was not engaged in any physical activity she had been losing a significant amount of weight. Feeling overly tired with constant thirst, she decided to head to the doctor to do an executive profile. The following day she received a call from her doctor, who told her point blank that she had out of control diabetes and her numbers were off the chart. After making changes to her life and getting more involved in her food preparation, she now feels healthier than ever and shares how she manages to control her diabetes daily!
1
Be Self Aware
Every morning when Judith wakes up, the first thing she does is check her blood sugar. This according to her lets her know exactly how to plan the meals for the day ahead so that her numbers remain in the “safe” category.
2
Breakfast Time
After Judith is aware of her numbers, she heads to the kitchen to prepare her first and most important meal of the day Breakfast! A typical breakfast for her is 2 eggs, a slice of tomato and a piece of sweet potato.
3
Plan, Plan, Plan
Taking control of your Diabetes means taking control of what you eat. This is why every day after breakfast Judith plans her meals and her snacks for the day. According to her you never know where the day can take you, so it’s important to always be prepared.
We all need help sometimes
4 5
Be Kind To Yourself
Judith emphasizes that the most important thing she does daily is be kind to herself, which means taking her medication on time and as prescribed. She also stresses that people with diabetes must speak to their doctors frequently and to always be aware of what’s happening in their body.
Choose Healthy!
Good health and a better life! YOUR PARTNER FOR HEALTHY LIVING! The National Health Fund is an Agency of The Ministry of Health
@nhfjamaica
nhf.org.jm
Judith explains that she drinks 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. However, she sometimes switches it up and adds green tea to her water. While she admits that she occasionally adds honey to her tea she always measures it to ensure that she doesn’t add too much because she will see it in her numbers.
FOR PERSONS
WITH DIABETES!
FREE! RETINAL (EYE) SCREENING & HBA1C (BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL) TEST
Prevent blindness by early detection of Retinopathy, Cataract & Glaucoma * Protect your eyes with us!! • Children with Diabetes screen for FREE • Experienced staff that will guide you throughout each procedure Call now to make your appointment
1 Downer Avenue , Kingston 5 Tele: (876) 618-5918, (876) 927-6774 Cell: (876) – 397- 6021 Fax: (876) 978 – 2510 Email: diabetes.drs@gmail.com diabetesclinicja@yahoo.com diabetesjamaica2@gmail.com Website: www.diabetesjamaica.com
“Until there is a cure, let us give the care”
CHOOSE...
OUR NEW REDUCED SUGAR HARDOUGH BREAD has 33% Less Sugar than our regular Hardough Breads
per serving
packaging
COMING SOON TO A SUPERMARKET NEAR YOU!