NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (NOVEMBER 09, 2015) — The Nevis Health Promotion Unit in the Ministry of Health will commemorate World Diabetes Day (WDD) on November 14, 2015 with a health fair with the theme “Healthy eating is the key factor in the fight against diabetes.” It will be held on November 13, at the Nevis Island Administration’s parking lot in Charlestown from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

According to a senior officer at the Health Promotion Unit Nadine Carty-Caines, a range of services will be available to the public at the fair including screening for blood sugar, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). There will also be nutrition and food preparation demonstrations and the Environmental Health, Dental Health, Pharmacy and Nursing Services will provide educational information.

Masefield Nisbett, Supervisor of the Sports Health and Wellness (SHAW) Unit in the Department of Youth and Sports, will be offering a keep fit session after the fair at 4 p.m. Persons interested in participating are asked to bring appropriate clothing.

Carty-Caines said the fair would focus on healthy eating as a cornerstone of health and sustainable development.

World Diabetes Day is set aside annually by the International Diabetes Foundation in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes throughout the world.

The day is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign with events organised in more than 100 countries in 2014. It unites the global diabetes community to produce a powerful voice for diabetes awareness and advocacy.