The month of November is recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month. The observance aims to raise awareness and provide support to persons living with diabetes while educating the public on how to manage and limit the chances of getting diabetes.

Among the many activities organized for the month was a health fair at the offices of the Ministry of Health and Wellness on the Castries Waterfont. Although open to the general public, the activity primarily targeted staff of the various government offices. Public Health Nursing Supervisor, Nurse Claudius Desir, stated the reason for the outreach.

"Most times persons don't have the time to visit health facilities to get screened, so we decided to bring the screening services to the people," she said.

Among the services offered were blood sugar and blood pressure testing, cholesterol screening and foot care.

Family Life Educator, Laurentia Melor, highlighted the other services offered at the health fair.

"We have the nutrition department giving information on healthy eating,” she explained. “They help people read their food labels so that they can understand and look out for the salts and hidden things that are detrimental to their health. We also have the Bureau of Health Education. They are providing information on diabetes and complications related to diabetes, as well as high blood pressure. When we say complications we are referring to heart attacks and stroke. We also have the renal unit partnering with us and they are providing information on kidney disease and dialysis. We also have nutrition doing the body mass index, weighing the staff as well as members of the public so they can have an idea of whether their weight is within the normal range. If not, they can get advice as to what they can do."

A new activity for this year's observance dubbed Brown Bag Day encourages members of the public to walk with their prescription medication and receive free counseling from pharmacists. Donna Daniel is the Chief Pharmacist with the Ministry of Health.

“For Brown Bag Day, we are asking people that they know their disease, know their medicines, and improve adherence. The goal is really to reduce the complications of diabetes. On Brown Bag Day we are asking persons to bring in their medicines and medical devices—both prescription and over the counter. There will be pharmacists available who will provide information on the medicines, its uses, its interactions, side effects, proper storage and disposal."

Daniel added that the pharmacists are the experts for everything dealing with prescription drugs and medical supplies. She said anyone who wants to learn more about managing their medicines should visit a pharmacist.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness encourages persons living with diabetes or any other chronic condition to take advantage of the services available on Brown Bag Day. Brown Bag Day will be observed on Friday, Nov. 24 at the Blue Coral Mall in Castries.