In recognition of World Diabetes Day, the Rotaract Club of Barbados West donated vegetable hampers to the Charleston Senior Citizen Home in St. Stephens Hill, compliments of Carlton A1 Supermarkets in Black Rock, St. Michael.

The Club sought to address the serious concerns of non-communicable diseases among Barbadians by promoting awareness of diabetes and its harmful impact on the lives of Barbadians. Throughout the week, the Club has promoted exercise and healthy eating habits in the fight against diabetes on social media.

The social media campaign encouraged individuals to donate vegetables to those in need, whether living with diabetes or not, as limited finances hamper access to vegetables which has been noted as a contributing factor to the onset of diabetes.

Director of Community Services Ms. Asha Pitt noted her decision to become a vegan, “It is cheaper to maintain an unhealthy diet than it is for a healthy diet. I had to look for inexpensive ways to maintain this new lifestyle.”

In 2013, records from the International Diabetes Federation indicated that Barbados has registered well above world average in the prevalence of diabetes among persons between the ages of 40 and 74. Approximately 30,000 adults are living with diabetes in Barbados. A major factor in the spread of diabetes is poor eating habits. Promotion of healthy eating habits among Barbadians will undoubtedly improve overall health and reduce the impact of this non-communicable disease. As a result, the initiative will enhance the provision of healthy meals for senior community residents at the Charleston Senior Citizen Home.

Ms. Pitt emphasised that eating healthy pays off and reminded those present that “life is sweeter with less sugar, act today to change tomorrow“.

The Rotaract Club of Barbados West is pleased to partner with Carlton A1 Supermarkets in this community service initiative and will continue its relationship with the Charleston Senior Citizen Home.

The Club is the youth arm of The Rotary Club of Barbados West. To learn more about the Rotaract Club of Barbados West’s projects and to volunteer, please visit: www.facebook.com/rotaractbarbadoswest.