CHENNAI: During a recent community study conducted in Chennai, staff of Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre (DMDSC) were surprised to find that while few children were border-line diabetic, a significant number showed signs of the dreaded disease, particularly obesity. “This is when we decided that we must act and reach the youth and sensitise them about the dangers of diabetes in a way that actually reaches them,” said Dr V Mohan, Chairman of DMDSC. While this was concurrent with the WHO’s direction, mere lectures and workshops did not help, “They only make the kids sleepy,” said Dr R M Anjana, Joint MD, ruefully.That was when the idea of the Mega Diabetes Fest 2011 came about. “We have seen how competitive and interested kids get when it comes to expressing their talent and achievement. That’s why we decided to go ahead and organise this,” she adds. Spread over a period of four months, stretching well into October, the Diabetes Fest will have competitions from diabetes art, vegetable carving, singing, elocution, healthy cookery to dance aerobics. “Initially we believed that it would be an achievement if about 500 kids came forward,” says the doctor, “But we were truly astounded when over 3500 participants from 170 schools and colleges across the city registered in all the competitions.”Besides having competitions that propagate healthy living and educate people about diabetes, colourful and detailed diabetes related pamphlets that also has a risk indicator to see if one is susceptible to the disease are given to the kids.” According to a study, going by the current rate, about 87 million people in India will be diabetic by 2030. But, it is also evident that if correct measures are followed close to 35 million of these cases can be prevented,” said Dr Mohan. This is precisely the reason why such an initiative has been taken to help children to steer clear of obesity and diabetes, said Dr Anjana.All the events are for school and college students from the city and will be held at Dr Mohan’s centre at Gopalapuram. The finale will be held on November 25 at Chennai Trade Centre.
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