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Press Release From The Heart Foundation of Jamaica:
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| Deborah Chen - Executive Director Heart Foundation of Jamaica. |
Kingston, Jamaica – November 1, 2024 - “Sugar is not just a sweet temptation; it is a deadly trap, ensnaring us in a web of addiction and disease.”– Case Against Sugar, Gary Taubes. As we recognize World Sugar Awareness Week from November 11-15, 2024, Gary Taubes' powerful words remind us of the serious health risks posed by excessive sugar consumption. Additionally, on November 14, 2024, we will observe World Diabetes Day, which calls for greater awareness and action in addressing the diabetes crisis. The overconsumption of 'free sugars' found in everyday foods and beverages has fueled a growing epidemic of preventable diseases such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, impacting millions globally.
At the Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ), we are committed to breaking this cycle by educating and informing the public. The Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey (JHLS) III (2016-2017) offers alarming insights into the state of diabetes in our country. According to the survey, 1 in 8 Jamaicans aged 15 and older are living with diabetes, representing a national prevalence of 12%. The risk increases with age, from 1.5% among those aged 15-24 to 42.4% in individuals 75 years and older. Even more concerning is that only 58% of Jamaicans living with diabetes are aware of their condition.
There is a critical need for collective action in addressing the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption in Jamaica. There is an urgent need for lifestyle changes, but we cannot achieve this alone. It is through a collective commitment and desire to support others that initiatives like our screening services and nutrition education sessions during World Sugar Awareness Week will truly make an impact. Additionally, we intend to carry out the following activities during the observation period:
- Day One: Tuesday November 12, 2024 - The Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) in partnership with the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) Free Screening Event for Senior Citizens (First 70 persons)
- Day Two: Wednesday November 13th 2024 - A virtual member’s meeting for HFJ members will be held via zoom at 12:30pm titled “Heart Health Matters: A Members’ Conversation on Diabetes & the Heart”
- Day Three: Thursday November 14th 2024 - Outside Broadcast in observance of World Diabetes Day on the 14th of November. The Outside broadcast will be held from 1-5pm on the 2 Live Crew program on Radio Jamaica.
To commemorate this worthy cause,
we ask the public to join us in the following ways;
- Wearing
Blue:
The official colour of diabetes awareness is blue. Wear blue clothing or
accessories to show your support.
- Share
Information: Educate others about diabetes, its risk factors, and
the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
- Get
Tested: If you are at risk for diabetes, consider getting tested for early
detection and intervention.
Given the high
rates of diabetes and its complications in Jamaica, it is imperative that we
actively engage the general public and vulnerable groups such as children and
the elderly in preventative health measures. It is in all of our best interest
to aid the Heart Foundation of Jamaica in “Promoting Heart Health in Jamaica”
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