A series of free health screenings are being offered by the Bermuda Hospitals Board in recognition of Diabetes and Chronic Lung Disease Awareness Month.

The Diabetes Respiratory Endocrine and Metabolism (DREAM) Centre, which provides diabetes, asthma and lung disease education and awareness, will be offering free screenings for lung function, blood sugar and blood pressure next week.

The first free screening will take place on Monday at the KEMH General Wing lobby between 2pm and 5pm.

The next day, a screening will be held at the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute’s first floor conference room between 2pm and 4pm.

The Dream team will return to KEMH next Wednesday, holding another free screening in the Acute Care Wing main lobby from 2pm to 4pm.

Debbie Barbosa, BHB Asthma educator, said: “Anyone over 40 who smokes or has a history of smoking and who finds it difficult to breathe sometimes or all the time, should come in and take the free lung function test during the screenings. If that is not possible they should contact me on 239-1652 or e-mail asthma.centre@bhb.bm.

“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease which over time makes it harder to breathe.”

Meanwhile, Annabel Fountain, endocrinologist, said the Bermuda Hospitals Board Dream Centre is committed to educating the public about diabetes and seeks to lead the way in prevention locally.

“We have one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world,” Dr Fountain said. “It is the leading cause of blindness and heart disease on the island, but these side effects are preventable with prevention, early detection and proper management. At the Dream Centre we want to help people to control their sugar levels.

“Good education has been shown to be as effective at lowering blood sugar levels as many diabetes medications and regular monitoring and appropriate interventions help individuals to avoid the complications of diabetes.”

Venetta Symonds, BHB CEO, encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the free screenings, saying: “As healthcare professionals we recognise the importance of early detection and prevention in chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma and COPD.

“I encourage you to come in and meet our Dream Centre professionals. They can help you on your wellness path.”