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SINGAPORE: Singapore needs to do a lot better to communicate to the public the importance of eating well, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam (26 November).
There is a need for sustained efforts to disseminate information about the health risks of diabetes and the seriousness of the problem, he added, highlighting three changes in mentality needed to effectively fight the disease.
Mr. Tharman kicked off the inaugural Ministerial Conference on Diabetes, which was attended by representatives from countries such as the United States, Malaysia and Finland.
"We must tackle a fundamental problem of human psychology: the pleasures of a chocolate cake share are immediate, while the health costs are hidden and incorporated much later, but with potentially serious consequences. ", did he declare.
READ: Commentary: Recovering Diabetes Control, One Device at a Time
Tharman, who is also the minister responsible for coordinating economic and social policies, said this by referring to the change in the "most critical" mentality – that of individuals.
This is the person who needs to see the benefits of adjusting his habits and who feels good about doing it.
"In the current state of things, however, doing more physical exercise and eating healthier foods almost always top the list of failed New Year's resolutions. So there is a lot to do here, "he said.
Nearly half a million Singaporeans live with diabetes, higher than the global prevalence, which has led the government to declare war on the disease in 2016.
READ: National Rally: 1 out of 9 Singaporeans has diabetes; "very serious" problem, says Prime Minister Lee
DEVELOP GOOD HABITS FROM YOUNG PEOPLE
Tharman called for more action to develop healthy eating habits among young people to define the tastes and preferences of children here.
Seventy percent of overweight children at age seven remain in adulthood, he said, adding that this has a direct impact on chronic diseases such as diabetes. diabetes.
While the government is putting more effort into schools by banning the sale of sugary drinks and other beverages without the symbol of healthier choice, parents have a considerable influence on the consumption of their children, he declared.
"There is still much to be done to change the eating habits of children, including adolescents. It all depends on what happens every day outside school hours, weekends and holidays, "he said.
Children whose parents consume more sugary drinks are much more likely to consume more of these beverages themselves, he said. Parental education is therefore essential, he said.
"Parents need to understand that when we invest resources and time in the development of our children, helping them develop healthy habits for life must be part of it. And you have to start young, "he said.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SCREENING
Dr. Tharman also focused on early detection, noting that all too often, people discover that they only have diabetes when serious symptoms occur.
He noted, however, encouraging figures from the Screen for Life program, in which Singaporeans over 40 years of age pay up to S $ 5 for testing every three years and for the first consultation. followed, if necessary.
Nearly 46,000 people were screened as part of this program in the first year following the improvement of it in 2017, a sharp increase from 1,300 in the year before the program. Implementation.
"Costs should not be an obstacle to screening and care," he said.
GOVERNMENT, MINDSET CHANGES OF EMPLOYER
Mr. Tharman also explained how each government sector should be involved in the fight against diabetes.
"It takes a coordinated whole-of-government approach to promote healthy lifestyles," he said.
He gave examples of infrastructure agencies that build fitness centers in subdivisions, develop an extensive network of bike paths and trails Park Park, and that the National Agency for the The environment is installing water dispensers in more hawker centers.
He also urged employers to promote health in their workplace.
He gave the example of SBS Transit as a company that supports the health of its employees.
SBS Transit provides bus captains with free medical screening and modified work schedules for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Bus captains may request to be assigned to shorter help desks to allow medications and meals to regulate their blood glucose levels in a timely manner.
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