Maintaining your health

THE LIONS Club of St Andrew, since its inception in 1975, has been involved in bringing diabetes awareness to the communities we serve.

When we conduct our screening tests, it is clear that there are many persons who still don’t understand the impact of this disease on their quality of life and well-being. We hear, ‘Is just a little sugar, miss’, ‘My medication just done, and I can’t afford to refill’, and a wide range of other comments which seek to explain why they are not taking control. We must continue to spread the message and be unwavering in our efforts. Jamaicans need to understand that they can’t afford to not fill the prescriptions and keep on their medication ;they need to understand the lifestyle changes which must be made to ensure they maintain their health. Over time if sugar levels remain high there can be damage to various organs in our bodies, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.

The Lions Clubs of St Andrew and Kingston were integral in the formation of the Diabetes Association of Jamaica (DAJ) in 1976. This month, in continuing this partnership with the DAJ, the St Andrew Lions will launch a fundraising drive, through JN Bank’s ‘isupportjamaica’ crowdfunding platform, to acquire two well-needed dialysis machines as we continue the fight against diabetes. Each machine costs US$5,000.

On World Diabetes Day, November 14, let’s all join ; each contribution, however, small will help in our fight. Visit us at

www.lionsclubofstandrewja.com, go to the isupportjamaica page and help us in the fight by donating to the cause.

Donate now.

MARILYN ANDERSON President 2019-2020 Lions Club of St Andrew