dotdailydose
Diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that causes an elevation in a person’s blood glucose level, has existed among the most prevalent diseases for many years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global statistics of diabetes among adults over 18 increased from 4.7 percent in 1980 to 8.5 percent in 2014. In 2015, the disease was responsible for an estimated 1.6 million deaths.
In the Philippines, about 7.3 million Filipinos are recorded to have diabetes, with 3.5 million confirmed diagnoses. Last year, the country was marked as ‘diabetes hotspot,’ ranking among countries with towering diabetes rates. At this moment, the alarming figures are continuously rising, and every day, more and more people are becoming at risk of acquiring the condition.
Friendly Alliances and Media Expressions (FAME) Inc., publisher of DiabetEASE magazine, recently held Sweet Escape, a yearly advocacy event for the public about diabetes awareness at Starmall Activity Center, Alabang.
Dr. Pepito dela Pena, President of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PSEDM) and Dr. Joy Arabelle C. Fontanilla, head of Center for Weight Intervention and Nutrition Services (WINS) at St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City and DiabetEASE Magazine Editor-in-Chief shed light on the prevalence of diabetes in the country and the importance of having a balanced diet while maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent risks that may trigger the metabolic disease.
Meanwhile, event partners Diabetes Store and PhilHealth’s Public Affairs Unit also talked about their respective campaigns relating to the metabolic disease.
In line with Sweet Escape’s call to have an active and healthier lifestyle, it also held the second Hataw Na: Hataw Galaw Sayaw sa Kalusugan Intercollegiate Dance Competition. It aims to encourage people of all ages to turn their back on sedentary lifestyle and embrace being healthy and lit through physical activities such as dancing. By encouraging the youth to prevent the disease in such a fun activity, Sweet Escape believes that more and more people will be informed and take part in the fight against the disease.
The event also featured a Zumba party, product highlights, lay forums, raffles, and booth exhibition.
The Sweet Escape 2017 is in cooperation with the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation (PCDEF) Inc., and Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PSEDM).
The event is also made possible with Starmall Alabang, City Government of Muntinlupa, PhilHealth, Diabetes Store, HealthFirst Clinic, Corbridge, Herbalife Nutrition, 0mizu (Beautifying Natural Spring Water), Lightwater amd Musli Biscuits under Suncoast Brands, Monea Salon Professional Series, Philippine Karate-do League Inc., Creative Baker, Enchanted Kingdom, Café France, C-Lium Fibre, Cocoline Naturals, and Coco Natura.
