Heal Foundation & BMC

HEALTH

Mumbaikars join hands for Walkathon on Nov 13 in Support for Sanofi Diabetes Blue Fortnight -2012 –A Joint Initiative by Heal Foundation & BMC

Mumbai, Nov 10^th, 2012: BMC in association with Sanofi Diabetes Blue Fortnight had organized a walkathon in 27 wards across Mumbai. Over 100 people participated at the Walkathon organized on Marine Drive on Saturday morning at 7 AM.

Some key pointers discussed for effective ways of exercise in diabetes are listed below:

• The frequency, duration and intensity of exercise must be considered during walking.
• A diabetic should always have a baseline test before starting exercise, then start gradually and increase by 5 minutes every week.
• A 30-min exercise per day for at least 5 days/week can be scaled-up to 150 minutes per week.
• Make walking a daily ritual.
• Avoid elevator; Use staircase.
• Alternative forms of indoor or outdoor exercises should be undertaken.

The walkathon is an active exercise organized under Sanofi Diabetes Blue fortnight 2012, India’s largest campaign on diabetes awareness.

A third year in row, HEAL foundation in association with Ministry of Health has successfully reached out to over millions across the country to increase the awareness about diabetes through various activities for November 14 being commemorated as World Diabetes Day. Apart from walkathon, numerous other activities had been scheduled under this fortnight long awareness movement. Considering the rising incidences of Diabetes in the city, the annual fortnight activity kicked started from November 1 with a survey result release of the awareness of preventive measures and knowledge about the regular check-ups amongst diabetics and their family members.

Over the fortnight, 300 men from Mumbai Police also associated for the cause of Diabetes Screening. In a massive awareness drive, not just the police officials but their family members were also screened and educated about this disease which has assumed epidemic proportions mainly due to lack of awareness.

An impromptu flash mob supported by young college students broke out at a mall in Lower Parel on Friday evening. Diwali Shoppers were caught in awe by the spirits of these youngsters to spread the word of diabetes, prevention and management amongst masses. 

Adding to the same, Swadeep Srivastava, principal consultant, HEAL foundation said “This is the third year in row and we have been receiving humongous support with each year passing by. Numerous agencies have extended an olive branch to add their bit of contribution in creating awareness. We have unfailingly conveyed each time towards the masses about the epic nature that Diabetes is turning into. It is only awareness that can bring about the required changes in lifestyle among people to ensure India is diabetes managed and controlled”.

“The prevalence of diabetes is likely to amplify if awareness is not generated among the masses. Such an initiative by Sanofi Diabetes Blue Fortnight is helpful in sensitizing people towards this grave problem and its management which is often ignored by many people unless complications are implicated.,” said Dr. Manoj Chadda, Hinduja Hospital.

Diabetes and its related complications are taking a toll on the health of millions of people in India. As per International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) 2011 data, India has 61.3 million people living with diabetes, ranking second only to China on the highest prevalence radar. This is even more significant in the light of the fact that two out of three diabetics in India have never been screened and diagnosed. If appropriate measures are not adopted for generating awareness about the prevention and management of diabetes then very soon India will become the world capital of diabetes.

For this reason, SDBF is being observed from 1^st to 14^th November, with the involvement of thousands of diabetics, their family members and medical experts who will use this platform for spreading awareness about diabetes prevention and management.

“At Sanofi Diabetes, we aspire to go beyond conventional treatments and enhance diabetes prevention, education and management, by prioritizing patient needs. Through the Sanofi Diabetes Blue Fortnight 2012 campaign, we seek to partner with all stakeholders and bring together ‘Every Voice for a Better Future’ on the shared journey of combating diabetes,” says Cyrus Aibara, Senior Director - Diabetes Business Unit, Sanofi India.

Sanofi Diabetes Blue Fortnight - Sweetened by NutraSweet is an initiative of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, International Diabetes Federation, Archaeological Survey of India and HEAL Foundation in association with Sanofi Diabetes; a global healthcare leader, to spread awareness about diabetes.