Yara school backs diabetes initiative

The increasing number of diabetic patients and young people are falling victim to diabetes early in life has prompted Yara International School (YIS) to launch a unique initiative on the occasion of the
World Diabetes Day was held earlier this week, and the the Saudi government agencies have emphasized the need for promoting awareness about this disease and for regular diabetes screening of school children, a view strongly backed by the YIS, which in its own style sought to bring their students under the cover of the diabetes awareness program this year.
To mark the diabetes day last Wednesday, the YIS organized several programs to promote diabetes awareness with “a mission, with a pledge and with an action program.” This included the “YIS Walk for Diabetes Awareness Program” conducted at Al-Nahda Park of the city’s Malaz District. The program was flagged by Khalid Abdullah Mohammed Aldrees, a well-known Saudi activist, who also serves as the chief executive officer of the school. Aldrees cut the ribbon to mark the launch of YIS initiative. The event, the first of its kind organized by a city school, was attended by Hameed Naha, member of YIS management committee; Dr. Thampi Vellapan, president of Riyadh Indian Medical Association (RIMA); Dr. Abdul Aziz,
RIMA media convener; Baby Moothaparambil, president of Riyadh Lions Club; and Ratesh Kumar, chairman of Diabetes Awareness Program.
The YIS initiative was supported by several local companies including Hewlett-Packard (HP), Lions Club of Riyadh, Lulu Hypermarket, NADEC, Nesto, RIMA, TMG (Health and Wellness Magazine), Ryan Polyclinic and Khana Khazana, an Indian restaurant.
Dr. Abdul Aziz and Dr. Thampi explained the causes and prevention of diabetes and shed light on the effects of obesity on children’s physical and mental health.
In her speech, Aasima Saleem, YIS principal, said: “The walkathon program in which 400 school students participated was an excellent way for YIS community to promote diabetes awareness among expatriate groups of different nationalities including Saudi citizens living in Riyadh.”
Aasima said that the program offered this educational, high-impact, walking activity for community involvement.
The school’s diabetes campaign, captioned “children are our future — Be fit for future,” was conducted by YIS in association with Lions Club (Riyadh) and RIMA was an “astounding success.” The fact that the children’s day celebration coincides with the “World Diabetes Day” proved to be more than beneficial as it engaged the entire student community in full force in advocating diabetes awareness.
“Unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles coupled with a junk-food laden diet have rendered the children obese and sluggish, making them easy prey to diabetes,” said Aasima. She said that the Nov 14 would be remembered for YIS initiative and for its pledge to raise awareness about the disease. In fact, the day was packed with activities and awareness programs lined up by the school.
The ambience was drenched in blue in keeping with the blue circle –- the logo of the World Diabetes Day. The blue circle symbolizes an overwhelmingly positive attitude toward life and health.
“Needless to say, the entire school resonated with a feeling of goodness and well-being,” said another school official. On the sidelines of the event, a fun and food fair was organized for the children also. A number of food stalls serving nutritious and tasty food were setup to encourage children to eat “right food,” stay away from junk food and stay healthy.
The girls of grade VIII to X ruffled up a few healthy snacks that were quick and easy to prepare, yet rich in nutritional value. The collage work displayed by them showcased not only their creativity but also delivered the message on how to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The YIS boys went a few steps further when they came out of the confines of the school and participated in the grand walkathon. Dressed in T-shirts, flashing the slogan “walk to cure diabetes,” they participated in the walkathon and later visited some of the popular malls and supermarkets including Lulu Hypermarket and Nesto Hypermarket to distribute educational pamphlets. These brochures were titled “Diabetes Education and Prevention” and “Awareness on Child Obesity.”
A free ‘blood-sugar testing camp’ was also organized for the teachers by the local Ryan Polyclinic. Several students also underwent tests and BMI (Body Mass Index) calculation to diagnose early symptoms/indication of obesity or diabetes.

“It was definitely a worthwhile exercise as it served the purpose to alert several teachers and students, who showed early symptoms of diabetes and obesity,” said Dr. Abdul Aziz, RIMA spokesman.
Dr. Abdul Aziz and other guests appreciated the efforts exerted by the school led by Principal Aasima in organizing this grand educational event, which other city schools would like to emulate in future. They also commended the teachers and students.
To drive home the idea that good health can’t be attained in a day, YIS has planned to observe a “Health Week” from today to Nov 21 to educate children about healthy lifestyle within the framework of the initiative. A balanced and nutritious diet chart has been prepared for students in consultation with several dieticians and pediatricians of RIMA.
Students have been assigned to prepare posters and placards on healthy food and healthy lifestyle.