Mangalore: Seminar at FMMCH by Sisters of Charity Sheds Light on Diabetes
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (VD)
Mangalore, Sep 1: The Sisters of Charity, on the occasion of the Centenary celebration of their services at Father Muller Charitable Institutions, organized a seminar on 'Diabetes - Prevention and Care' at Fr Muller Medical College Hospital's conference hall here on Thursday September 1 exclusively for priests and religious sisters.
During the inaugural ceremony, Fr Francis Serrao, president, Mangalore Jesuit Education Society, and Dr Sanjeeva Rai, former dean on FMMC released a manual titled ‘A Guide on Diabetic Diet’.
Sr Irene Jane D’Souza, provincial superior of the Sisters of Charity, Mangalore was the chief guest of the occasion.
In her message, Sr Irene called upon the priests and the sisters to give prime importance to maintaining their health as well as of others. She added that she hopes the seminar would be an eye opener to them.
Sr Emma Joseph lighted the lamp along with Dr Sanjeeva Rai, superior of St Vincent’s convent Sr Sylvia Fernandes, director of FMCI Fr Patrick Rodrigues, Sr Irene, Fr Francis Serrao, administrator of FMMCH Fr Richard Coelho, dean of FMMC Dr J P Alva and organizing secretary Sr Aileen Mathais.
Dr J P Alva in his keynote address explained the history and effects of diabetes and how it had affected the country. He briefed the gathering on the growing statistics of the condition and said that it should serve as an eye opener to the people. Terming the condition a ‘silent killer’, he stressed on the need to go for annual checkups to keep a tab on one’s health.
Keeping the present lifestyle in mind, he stressed on three main essentials to every diabetic person, namely, good food, regular exercise and weight control. He said, "Prevention is possible by conducting introspection. By taking care of yourself and keeping your blood sugar level in check, every diabetic person can surely lead a normal life."
In his presidential address, Fr Patrick said that tension and lifestyle changes have caused a great deal of health problems. His advice to the priests and other religious was to follow the triple mantra, namely, healthy diet, regular exercise and appropriate medication. He said, "Keeping the triple mantra in mind, diabetes can be prevented, delayed or managed."
Fr Richard Coelho welcomed the gathering and introduced the dignitaries. Convener Dr Sylvia Fernandes introduced the chief guest to the audience and Sr Aileen Mathais proposed the vote of thanks.
Talks on diabetes included covered issues like how diabetes starts, its signs and symptoms and the treatment, complications and care, diet and exercises.
The resource persons for the seminar were Sr Irene D'Souza, Dr Sudeep, Dr Amith, Dr Arunachalam, Sr Aileen, Sr Sylvia and Prof Narasimhan.
About Diabetes:
Diabetes Mellitus is a serious public health concern all over the world. This epidemic and projected increase in the prevalence of diabetes over the next two decades emphasizes the importance of implementing primary prevention, early detection and cure. Different studies have proved modifiable risk factors of diabetes, mainly obesity and physical inactivity. If we could detect and prevent these risk factor earlier, the onset of disease can be delayed or prevented.