Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC), in association with Emirates Foundation, has introduced a public health awareness initiative, 'I EAT RIGHT...', aimed at encouraging children, mothers and carers to take a look at, and possibly change, the contents of lunch and snack boxes.
With the support of National Health Insurance Company - Daman, as lead sponsor, the ICLDC team will coach pupils and teachers by means of interactive sessions that involve fun, quiz times that prompt the children to think about food, calories and nutritional content, and then have the children make up the ideal, tasty lunchbox.
Al Ittihad School, Abu Dhabi is the first of 16 schools in the capital and Dubai who are participating in the first stage of the 'I EAT RIGHT...' campaign that is geared to critique what kids bring in their lunch boxes.
"In this era of childhood obesity, we need to serve snacks that are healthy but still tempting enough that kids will enjoy eating them," said Dr Maha Taysir Barakat, Endocrinologist and Medical Research Director at the Centre.
"We find that adults underestimate children and their willingness to eat healthy foods. If you take an extra step to make it seem special or fun, kids are very receptive to new foods.
"Just don't force them to choose between cookies and carrots. But if the option is between fruit and whole-grain crackers with cheese, either choice is a winner."
Daman's CEO Dr Michael Bitzer, has pledged Daman's support of the campaign and is onboard as the event's lead sponsor: "We are right behind this drive to combat diabetes in the UAE.
"Daman is committed to playing an active role in improving health standards by engaging in public education and enhancing knowledge about diabetes. We believe in starting early and for this reason we will all be involving our families and children in this campaign that aims to teach our kids the constructive habit of eating healthy.
He said that this goes hand-in-hand with Daman's efforts to encourage preventive approaches to healthcare within the community.
"We feel that by working with schoolchildren, their parents and carers, 'I EAT RIGHT...' is spot on! Statistics show that the UAE has the second highest prevalence of diabetes worldwide. It is quite possible, therefore, that we all know someone who is living with diabetes. Daman aims to be the guardian arm that protects the health and wellbeing of the community, especially our children," he said.
One out of five people aged 20 to 79 in the UAE already lives with this disease, while a similar percent of the population is at risk.
However, Dr Maha said that 80% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented if detected early by simply introducing a healthier diet and an increase in physical activity.
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ICLDC & Daman to speak to more than 2,000 children across 16 schools
- United Arab Emirates: Saturday, November 03 - 2007 at 15:21
- PRESS RELEASE
More than two thousand, sixth grade children will hear first-hand from dieticians and nutritionists about the contents of a healthy, smart lunchbox, while being quizzed in a compelling fashion on the attributes of fresh orange juice over its carbonated 'competitors'.
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About Imperial College London Diabetes CentreThe Imperial College London Diabetes Centre is a state-of-the-art specialised out-patient clinic dedicated to help detect, prevent and treat diabetes. The centre is a one-stop-facility that specialises in Diabetes Treatment, Research, Training and Public Health. Located in Abu Dhabi (next to the Zayed Military Hospital), ICLDC allows the highest level of specialised patient care, from first diagnosis to the continued management of all complications associated with diabetes.
Imperial College London holds a renowned history and expertise in the study of diabetes, bringing one of the leading medical academic institutions in the world to Abu Dhabi as a core working partner. Under ICLDC practices, one of the Centre's primary objectives will be to provide continuing education for health professionals and the general public. For more details visit: www.icldc.ae
About Emirates Foundation
The Emirates Foundation, created in 2005, represents a unique, multi-sector effort to create a new range of opportunities for the people of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Through philanthropic projects within our four core areas of interest, we seek to engage all individuals and groups in the UAE to usher in a new era of mutual achievement.
The four core areas for our work are: education; research & development; arts & culture; and social & environmental development.
All activities are designed to benefit the broader public, both directly and indirectly. In many cases, the success of our projects is dependent on large-scale public participation. Explore our website to learn more about the role that we play in our community. www.emiratesfoundation.ae
About National Health Insurance Company - Daman
The National Health Insurance Company - Daman, was established on 01 May 2006. Today it is the region's leading health insurance company, providing comprehensive healthcare solutions to over 850,000 customers in the UAE via the largest network of private hospitals and pharmacies available.
With affordable health insurance for people of all income levels, Daman offers
international standard healthcare insurance cover for both individuals and companies.
A 24-hour dedicated Medical Authorisation Center, staffed by a team of doctors and nurses, ensures that patient enquiries are dealt with speedily and efficiently using the most sophisticated technology available. A second customer hotline, also open 24/7 and manned by 30, multilingual staff, guarantees that UAE residents can access information about plans and their insurance cover whenever and wherever they want.
With an international network of 18 countries, Daman's customers have access to healthcare provision in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Germany, USA, UK, Spain, Russia, Austria, Switzerland and India, in addition to the UAE, depending on the terms of their personal cover. www.damanhealth.ae
For media enquiries:
Susan Furness
Strategic Solutions for ICLDC
Tel : +9714 3903033
Mobile : +97150 6556126
Anu Bhatnagar
Strategic Solutions for ICLDC
Tel: + 9714 3903018
Mobile : + 97150 7286803
Posted by Medilyn Manibo, Assistant News EditorSaturday, November 03 - 2007 at 15:21 UAE local time (GMT+4)
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