Health concerns for Solomon Islanders and helpful information to promote healthier lifestyles
Today is officially designated as ‘World Diabetes Day.’ and presents the opportunity to once again raise my concerns over the high rate of diabetes, obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) in the Solomon Islands.
The rate of diabetes is of serious concern, not only because it is known so many Solomon Islanders have the diseases but also because of the impact it is having on the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and because of the cost implications burdening the Solomon Islands Government.
An estimated 20% of the Government's health budget is spent on health care relating to diabetes.
A return to a traditional diet can help to prevent the onset of NCD’s and an avoidance of sweet, sugary drinks and fatty food.
Last week, one correspondent to a local newspaper in Honiara said a majority of people could not afford to eat fish but bought cheap imported products although knowing the risks associated with unhealthy imports containing too much fat.
If NCD’s, diabetes and obesity are to be brought under control then some way must be found to help subsidise healthy foods and to encourage dietary planning and exercise.
Janelle Ward, writing in ‘Your Life Choices,’ gave some useful advice on recognizing the early symptoms of diabetes. I will quote what she wrote (but stress the importance of seeing a doctor if thinking you might be suffering from diabetes.
Quote:
- being excessively thirsty
- passing more urine
- feeling tired and lethargic
- always feeling hungry
- having cuts that heal slowly
- itching, skin infections
- blurred vision
- gradually putting on weight
- mood swings
- headaches
- feeling dizzy
- leg cramps.
In a separate article written by Ben Hocking, also in ‘Your Life Choices.’ but related to NCD’s he wrote about belly fat and said, quote.
“Belly fat is more than just a superficial concern. It is also a significant risk factor for serious health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“Fat around the midsection – known as abdominal obesity, central or visceral obesity – dramatically increases your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even some forms of cancer.
“Abdominal fat contains two different types of fat – one is called subcutaneous fat, which is located just below the skin and is not considered so dangerous. While subcutaneous fat may not be so bad, if you have excessive stomach fat it will usually consist of visceral fat, which builds up around your internal organs and can cause organ malfunction.
“Some people find that visceral fat makes the stomach feel hard, while subcutaneous fat tends to feel soft and squishy.
“Visceral fat also produces a molecule called adipokine and other toxins that can increase your risk of coronary artery disease, gingivitis and other health issues.
“As with all measures to lose weight there are two factors to consider, diet and exercise. Here are the ways you can target your belly fat.
Diet
“Weight loss is about eating fewer calories than the body burns. This can help burn both visceral fat and excess subcutaneous fat.
Other dieting strategies to eliminate visceral fat include cutting out on sugary drinks and replacing them with water, if you are adding sugar to your coffee or tea, you should also stop doing that or consider an artificial sweetener.
“Switching to wholegrain bread, rice and pasta will reduce the level of simple carbohydrates in your diet, which are quickly turned into fat. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables, increase your fibre intake and cut out saturated and trans fats.
“Eating food high in fibre, such as lean meat, nuts and legumes can help you feel full, cutting out on cravings for sugary snacks.
Exercises
“Exercise plays a significant role in eliminating belly fat, although it is impossible to target specific areas of the body for weight loss. Targeted exercises, such as crunches and sit-ups, will not get rid of abdominal fat, though they can help strengthen abdominal muscles.
Cardiovascular exercise gets the heart pumping. It also burns calories, helping to reduce belly fat, especially visceral fat. Start slowly, with walking or swimming. Then work up to more intense cardio, such as running or jumping rope.
“Strength training can improve body weight, because muscles burn more calories than fat. Strength training can also help prevent osteoporosis and other chronic illnesses. Commit to strength training exercises, such as lifting weights or yoga, at least three times per week.
“Even when you are sitting down you can do some things to keep your body moving, such as tapping your feet, moving your legs up and down (with your feet on the floor) or doing leg lifts.”
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
