November is Diabetes and Chronic Lung Disease Awareness month. To help educate the public on risk factors, how to manage the conditions and how to avoid developing them, Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) Diabetes, Respiratory, Endocrine and Metabolism (DREAM) Centre will be providing free health screenings to the public.

On Wednesday 13 November from 10am-1pm, the Centre’s accredited diabetes and asthma education staff will provide the service in the main lobby of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s (KEMH) Acute Care Wing.

Blood sugar and blood pressure screenings provide important information on diabetes and hypertension. Lung function testing for smokers and former smokers over 40-years of age can help determine if Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has developed or is developing.

Attendees at the free event will also have their waist measured and can take advantage of free foot assessments.

In addition to conducting the screenings, staff will take time to explain the results of the screenings and advise participants on the follow up they should do.

BHB and DREAM Centre staff are committed to helping the public take control of their health. This includes educating on how to prevent disease and where chronic conditions have developed, advising how best to manage them.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is key to reducing your risk of developing a chronic condition. This includes regular exercise, sufficient sleep and eating healthily.

“We have programmes to help you manage your blood sugar through proper diet,” said DREAM Centre Manager Jane Hope. “Many people don’t realise what a healthy diet is. We can help and guide you step-by-step through the process. In this way you can put your entire family on the wellness path.”

“Don’t smoke. And if you do, quit,” said Asthma Nurse Educator Debbie Barboza. “The harmful effects of smoking can be devastating to your health and the health of those around you. Quitting improves your risk of developing many of these conditions.”

For more information on the free screenings and the DREAM Centre call 239-2027 or email jane.hope@bhb.bm. For asthma and COPD related information email asthma.centre@bhb.bm

• Press release from the Bermuda Hospitals Board