Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone challenges residents to adopt 21 days of healthier behavior during Diabetes Awareness Month.

Minister Malone made the call to action during his Diabetes Month Declaration Message stating that the World Health Organization projects that chronic disease-caused deaths will surge by 2020, putting the health of the people of the Virgin Islands at-risk.

“This is a major cause for concern for us here in our Territory as local cases have soared to at least 3500 residents diagnosed with diabetes. Please allow me to further emphasise that this number may very well increase at a faster rate….if we do not actively change our bad habits now,” said Minister Malone.

He continued, “As we join our regional and international partners in observing November as Diabetes Awareness Month, I want us to reflect on our current status and analyse ways in which we can improve our health. I know many of you have heard the clichés of do’s and don’ts of being healthier, however, everyone can follow a path that is suitable to them. The important message is that, doing something is better than doing nothing at all.....It can be adding a physical activity like walking for 30 minutes a day to your routine or it can be cutting down on your carbohydrate in-take from five days a week to two days a week. All I am asking is that we change so that together we can reduce the risk factors that help contribute to making you unhealthy.”

This month’s Diabetes Awareness activities are being spearheaded by the BVI Diabetes Association as they also celebrate 40 years of humanitarian service. For more information on the schedule, persons can contact them at (284) 494-4125.

Residents are encouraged to also support World Diabetes Day on Thursday, November 14 by wearing blue.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and quality of life in the British Virgin Islands.

Caption: Third from left, Health Minister Honourable Carvin Malone at the BVI Diabetes Association’s 40^th Gala held on November 9, 2019.