The St Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA) has Julien Alfred as a spokesperson.
The SLDHA told reporters yesterday that it reached out to the Olympic star “to lend her voice to the cause” as it continues to strive towards the prevention and management of two chronic non-communicable diseases.
“This engagement was part of ongoing efforts behind the scenes to tap into local influencers to help lend their strengths to the fight. SLDHA is immensely honoured to have Ms Alfred on board,” the SLDHA said.
The SLDHA’s President, Dr Kedhma Dorh, said they saw the potential of Julien Alfred’s influence “in helping us more impactfully deliver our message of healthier lifestyles as the primary factor in combating those diseases.”
Henry Rolle, Alfred’s Manager, stated that “We firmly believe that, together, we can make a meaningful impact in promoting healthier lifestyles and providing essential resources to those affected by these health challenges” and that while Alfred’s schedule is demanding, they have committed to collaborating with the Association to find ways to maximize the partnership.
Diabetes Awareness Month officially kicked off yesterday at the Ministry of Health and Elderly Affairs.
Chairperson for Education at the SLDHA, Sandy Felix, said the organization wants people to know that more than 510 million people live with the disease – “almost 1 out of 10 persons around the world.”
Felix said there are several instances “where persons would have the illness and they wouldn’t even be aware of it; three out of four people with diabetes live in a low-income country where there is lack of sufficient resources. One of these three find it difficult to maintain a positive outlook on life due to the struggles and the complications; the need for mental wellness as a part of diabetes care is important.”
“Diabetes Awareness Months allows us… to turn the spotlight on (this) important cause,” she said, adding that the SLDHA has “updated our membership listing this year and are exploring ways to keep our members engaged.”
Dr. Gennie Isaac-Louisy, District Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health (MOH), highlighted the importance of the ‘Saint Lucia Moves’ campaign which was started by the MOH to promote healthy living.
“Physical activity is one of (the) best habits we can develop to combat chronic conditions like diabetes. There is enough research that supports that… even if it is a small amount. For instance, diabetics engaging in three minutes of light physical activity every hour significantly reduces the risks of developing complications like amputated feet, kidney failure and other issues diabetics tend to develop,” she said.
This means that “if every hour you get up (and) go to the fridge to take a glass of water you are actually (fighting) the complications … we need to try as much as we can to incorporate simple physical activity in our daily lifestyles and that is what ‘Saint Lucia Moves’ is about,” she added.
One of the other initiatives the Ministry has undertaken is ‘Know Your Numbers’ “in terms of knowing what your blood sugar is like (and) what your blood pressure is like. If you get your blood pressure and your sugar checked then you would be able to take the right steps. What ‘Saint Lucia Moves’ has done in collaboration with the Diabetes Association (and Massy) for this month (is to undertake) screening activities at those sites where both the public and those employed with the company can get screened,” Isaac-Louisy said.
They will also check for risks of developing diabetes, hypertension and obesity and will be providing health education at those activities.
“So we encourage the public to come out (and) get screened,” she said.
This year, all the way to 2026, Diabetes Awareness Day (November 14), will be observed under the theme ‘Diabetes and well-being’.
The SLDHA will hold a series of activities throughout the month of November to bring awareness to the disease including a ‘Media Blitz’ and schools’ tour.
Massy Stores has pledged its support to the SLDHA with a donation of $8000,00.
Kittel Raphael-Dubois, Marketing and Corporate Communications Officer at Massy Stores, said Massy is dedicated to supporting the SLDHA in its mission to combat the disease.
“We firmly believe that everyone should have access to the necessary information and resources needed to manage diabetes and lead a healthy lifestyle, and it is on this premise that we are proud to announce our continued support. This contribution will aid the association’s crucial efforts in assisting, educating, bringing awareness and advocating for those with diabetes,” she noted.