MTHULISI SIBANDA
SOWETO – AMID estimations about 1 in 10 South Africans with diabetes, it has emerged there are many adults who have the disease but are not aware of it because many people are reluctant to get tested.
Health experts say that this high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period, points to that cardiovascular diseases might grow to epidemic proportions soon in the country .
To address this, an international humanitarian and educational non-governmental organisation, the Art of Living is organising a closed camp where more than 100 senior citizens are going to be tested for glucose and cholesterol level and if found positive will be sent to specialists.
“This is a closed camp and will benefit 150 -180 senior citizens,” says Art of Living project co ordinator Nutan Kessa.
“The intention of the event is to make a difference and in this case specifically to our senior citizens. 17th July also aligns beautifully to Mandela Day and a great day to inspire people to come out in the spirit of service, unity and harmony.”
The Soweto Protea Glen Health and Wellness Day, is scheduled for Sunday.
During the exercise the senior citizens will be tested for body mass index (BMI), which is also crucial in detecting diabetes, which remains a major killer in South Africa, where over 50 people succumb to the disease daily.
Art of Living are organising the event in partnership with Alpha World Ministries and Social Care Soweto.
“We’ve held a few medical camps over the years in Soweto. This will be our first wellness day in partnership with the Ministry and the first which specifically benefits our senior citizens,” says Kessa.
The partners have been working in the last 11 months offering various stress management programmes as offered by The Art of Living Foundation and sister organization, International Association for Human Values.
Another key event at the wellness day will be a special eye camp.
Kessa says they have received “fantastic feedback” from the Lenasia South community heath hospital, whose officials will do free cataract surgeries for patients organisers of the health event will refer.
She says there has been an overwhelming response.
“It is amazing to witness so many people coming forward and a strong desire to assist in whatever capacity,” Kessa says.
“All medical supplies have been graciously sponsored. We have many medical professionals on board, which comprise of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, a nutritionist and about ten optometrists with a possibility of students from University of Johannesburg participating.”
– Guardian
