Aggressive campaign on lifestyle illnesses to start – President Jagdeo

President Bharrat Jagdeo wants greater awareness and knowledge in society about the dangers of chronic illnesses. He is calling for an aggressive awareness campaign to address this health issue.

The numerous media campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, stigma and discrimination have impacted positively on attitudes and lifestyle changes, and President Jagdeo said that messages in a similar fashion should be created for non-communicable illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.

Speaking to residents of Dazzel Housing Scheme at Paradise, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday, the president spoke about the promotion of healthy living and alluded to the alarming level of obesity and unhealthy eating, particularly among the youth population.

“Our foods have (been) changed. People exercise less and watch TV all day. Lifestyle changes are important, and this is not for any government or hospital. You have to ensure that this is done at the level of the family,” the Government Information Agency quoted him as saying.

The head of state implored the public to make a conscious effort to check on the status of their health regularly, instead of procrastinating and further compromising their own health.

“The family must take care of its health, and we must provide the opportunities for them to do so as well… If you know you have parents with diabetes, get tested once every three months,” President Jagdeo said.

Chronic illnesses are said to be among the top causes of death in the world, and the Ministry of Health, which has been leading efforts to spearhead campaigns on lifestyle changes, was encouraged by President Jagdeo to intensify its efforts.

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry has also been playing an active role in advocating healthy living through its “Fit for Life,” and “Ride For Life” programmes.

In its efforts, that ministry has been actively involved in restoring some sports facilities around Guyana, to motivate people to utilise them so that they can exercise the right way. In its endeavours, the ministry has also been constantly encouraging people to dedicate 30 minutes to exercise daily, and to abstain from habits that put their lives at risk, such as excessive alcohol and tobacco use.