On Thursday, November 14th, Belizeans joined millions around the world in observing World Diabetes Day. San Pedro Town was not the exception, where members of the San Pedro Lions Club held a walk to increase awareness about this disease.
The walk started at 6AM from Central Park, heading north through Barrier Reef Drive. The group then went south on Pescador Drive, bearing a banner with the message to beat diabetes together and inviting everyone to get tested. The short walk ended at Central Park, where it started. President Murlene ‘Mel’ Spain thanked everyone who took the time and joined the activity. She emphasized that while other diseases like cancer are affecting many Belizeans, diabetes is another deadly illness that needs to be given priority as well. Spain encouraged islanders to practice healthy living by exercising and eating well.
The San Pedro Lions Club invites everyone to be informed on diabetes and to look out for activities regarding the disease throughout November. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation. The disease was estimated to be the seventh leading cause of death worldwide in 2016.
