Drink water, exercise daily and eat more vegetables was the message promoted at yesterday’s Commit to Change health fair.

The event at City Hall was hosted by the Department of Health and the Bermuda Diabetes Association to mark World Health Day with a special focus on diabetes.

“Diabetes is now such a dramatic global problem that we have to do something to turn the tide, and we’re talking about type 2 diabetes,” Debbie Jones said. The chairwoman of the Bermuda Diabetes Association added: “We’ve got to encourage people to change their lifestyle by drinking water, eating lots of vegetables and exercising more.

“The whole idea behind today is that it’s World Health Day and this is the first time the World Health Organisation has taken a non-communicable disease — diabetes — to target.”

She added that diabetes was being targeted because it is a global health problem that is crippling governments and health budgets.

“If we don’t do something, we’re not going to be able to afford healthcare and that’s globally.”

Ms Jones added that the event was also an opportunity to identify changes people can make. “We’re really trying to put the message out there that it can be fun, it should be fun,” she said.

“When we say commit to change, it means that we want people to start committing to change their lifestyle.

“You’re actually making a pledge with yourself that you’re going to do something positive.”

People took advantage of the free health screenings offered by various health organisations and tried the healthy food options.

Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, asthma charity Open Airways and Bermuda Wellness and Outreach Centre were among those offering screenings and information.

The hospital’s dialysis department was also on site raising awareness for kidney disease, while healthy food options were provided by the likes of Mr Organic and Bermy Fresh.

Raymond DeShields, of Pembroke, said the event was very informative.

“It’s a good opportunity to have your blood sugar and blood pressure checked. It’s a good opportunity for people not to have to go to the doctor to get these few things done.”

The 83-year-old also got his skin checked for sun damage at the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre stall and was pleased with the results.

Helen Fabian, of St George’s, said people were sometimes reluctant to go to the doctor.

“I think its especially good for the seniors,” the 70-year-old said.

Ms Fabian got her blood pressure and blood sugar checked, with the latter being lower than she had expected.

She also tried pickled mushrooms for the first time and bought some salad from Bermy Fresh, which was promoting its organic produce.

Donald Norford, 54, was at the fair with his mother, Barbara Norford, 80.

“I think this is very, very nice. I got my sugar done and my blood pressure,” the Pembroke resident said, adding that he was happy with the results.

Janet McGuff, a retired PE teacher and regular visitor to Bermuda for four decades, said the event was fantastic.

“It’s good to see,” the 63-year-old added. “I’m going to see if I can get my blood pressure done.”

Mayor Charles Gosling welcomed all to the event on behalf of the City of Hamilton.

“Diabetes is a reality for too many Bermudians and their families,” he said. “It is occasions such as this that we can highlight the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and explore other preventive measures to ensure that our community has the tools it needs to combat this disease.”

Health Minister Jeanne Atherden also helped perform the official opening of the day, saying that this year’s theme falls in line with the objectives of the Bermuda Health Strategy 2014 to 2019, and the Bermuda Health Action Plan.

“Today represents the partnership, collaboration and participation which is required to create good health in Bermuda,” she said.

“This is an ideal opportunity to evaluate our habits and take steps to prevent diabetes and other chronic diseases.”

Those in attendance were also treated to a surprise dance performance by the In Motion School of Dance and asked to pledge their commitment to change by signing a poster.

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