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RAK starts drive to fight diabetes among students

RAS AL KHAIMAH - The Ras Al Khaimah Medical District has stepped up measures to fight the increasing cases of diabetes among school children in the emirate through awareness campaigns.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Department of Health Education and Information at the RAK Medical District, 150 children of various ages in the schools in Ras Al Khaimah are suffering from diabetes.

Mahrat bint Swarah, Director of Health Education and Information at the RAK Medical District, said a campaign of education sessions has been already commenced in public schools across the emirate to flag the dangers of diabetes to students, teachers and parents in addition to promoting healthy eating habits among 
students. Mahrat stressed that according to the survey, the increase in cases of diabetes among children were mainly because of the poor diet and lack of exercise, in addition to low levels of awareness among parents and their children about the dangers of the disease.

“We are training teachers and selected nurses about the disease, who will help us work with the parents to address the problem. The nurses will do regular check-ups for the diabetic children and would coordinate with their parents to help them control the disease,” she added.

The official noted that they had also started organising several lectures, seminars and other events at school campuses and outside, through which they educate children about diabetes and its link with obesity. “Through the drive our experts are also trying to promote more physical activity in schools,” said Mahrat. A health expert in Ras Al Khaimah said if not controlled, the diabetes could lead to further complications including impaired vision, heart disease, kidney failure and numbness of the extremities.

Early this year, the RAK Parents Council, in coordination with the RAK Education Zone, conducted a six-month health and nutrition awareness drive in schools with the slogan ‘The Secret of my Success Lies in my Food’, in an effort to improve their eating habits and to fight obesity.

Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Mansoor, President of the RAK Parents Council, said the nutrition and health awareness drives were aimed at discouraging the children from eating junk food and motivate them to adopt healthy eating habits through awareness programmes, lectures, competitions and various school events.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com

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