In November 2024, DJJS Aarogya organized a series of Health Awareness Events under the theme "Sugar Sense" to celebrate Anti-Diabetes Month. These eventsaimed to educate individuals about the prevention of diabetes, debunk common myths, and promote a healthier lifestyle among all age groups.
Diabetes, a chronic lifestyle disorder, occurs when the body cannot properly regulate glucose levels, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and glycosuria (sugar in the urine). Prolonged high blood sugar levels can result in severe complications, including heart disease, strokes, blindness, nerve damage, and limb amputation.
Through the creative workshop under the health awareness event the participants were engaged in following interactive and educational activities.
1. The 10 Heads of Ravan: Participants explored how diabetes is not a single disease but a catalyst for numerous health complications, each represented by one of Ravan's ten heads. This unique analogy highlighted the far-reaching impacts of diabetes on overall health.
2. Myths and Fact: Through “Myths and Facts” activity, the participants took on the role of ‘Myth’ and ‘Fact’ wherein then the common myths were debunked.
3. Quick & Healthy Quick Recipes Demonstrations: Quick and nutritious recipes tailored for diabetic patients were taught during the workshop. Participants actively prepared these dishes, learning practical ways to incorporate healthy eating into their daily lives.
4. Self -Check for Diabetes: The participants were taught about signs and symptoms of Diabetes empowering them to recognise red flags for one’s health.
Expert Doctors along with DJJS Representatives took sessions on Diabetes and motivated towards adopting a healthy lifestyle. These workshops highlighted how simple lifestyle adjustments like healthy eating and regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.
A notable concern addressed during the workshops was the increasing prevalence of diabetes among children due to poor dietary habits, such as consuming excessive junk food and a lack of outdoor physical activity.
Through expert-led discussions, the workshops empowered participants to take proactive steps toward better health. Approximately, 2,459 people benefited from the sessions, which included valuable lifestyle guidance. The participants were excited and satisfied after attending the complete package on Diabetes prevention. The participants aspired to look forward to attending more such programs.
Here is the list of places where these events took place:
1. Bhairva, Dist-Champawat, Uttarakhand
2. Pithoragarh, UK: Ramleela Ground, DD Haat, Dist-Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
3. Noida, UP: Sector 71 Park, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
4. Ghaziabad, UP: C-3, Patel Nagar-II, Dist- Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
5. Noida, UP: Sector-44 Park, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
6. Hoshiarpur, Punjab: H. No 33, Street No.1, Gautam Nagar, Dist- Hoshiarpur, Punjab
7. Lucknow, UP: Sector 6B- 314, Vrindavan Colony, Rai Bareilly Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
8. Aligarh, UP: Guru Ram Das Nagar Park, G.T. Road, Dist-Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
9. Bareilly, UP: Triwatinath Mandir, Dist- Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
10. Pathardi, Ahmednagar: Janardhan Kale Patil Vidhyalaya, Chincholi, Pathardi, Dist- Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
11. Pathardi, Ahmednagar: Rashtrasant Tanpure Baba Vidhyalaya, Khandgaon, Pathardi, Dist- Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
12. Pathardi, Ahmednagar: Gurukul School, Pathardi, Dist- Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
13. Nashik, MH: Janata Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, Jategaon, Dist- Nashik, Maharashtra
14. Lucknow, UP: Sector 6B- 314, Vrindavan Colony, Rai Bareilly Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
15. Mohali, Chandigarh: Shri Radha Krishna Mandir, Phase 2, Mohali, Chandigarh
16. Bareilly, UP: RPM Public School, Mirzganj, Dist- Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
The workshops concluded with the pledge taken by the participants to take ownership for a disease-free living.
This "Sugar Sense" initiative by DJJS Aarogya served as a vital platform for raising awareness about diabetes and fostering a culture of prevention, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and healthy living for a brighter, disease-free future.
The “Sugar Sense” initiative was acknowledged and covered by the local State newspapers.