Over 8,000 residents came
together to raise awareness about diabetes during the 4th walkathon organised
by the Landmark Group at the Qurum Natural Park in Oman.
The Beat Diabetes walk was supported by Ministry of Health and Oman Diabetes Association. Other partners in the endeavour included the Al Raffa Hospital, Lifescan and Oasis Water.
The Beat Diabetes walk was supported by Ministry of Health and Oman Diabetes Association. Other partners in the endeavour included the Al Raffa Hospital, Lifescan and Oasis Water.
To
reinforce the message ‘Beat Diabetes — Take the Test’, free blood glucose
testing booths were set up at the venue.
Dr Ali bin Talib al Hinai, Under-Secretary of Minister of Health for Planning Affairs, flagged of the walk and joined the supporters in the two km walk sporting blue ‘Beat Diabetes’ T-shirts.
Dr Ali bin Talib al Hinai, Under-Secretary of Minister of Health for Planning Affairs, flagged of the walk and joined the supporters in the two km walk sporting blue ‘Beat Diabetes’ T-shirts.
Through the annual walkathons, the blood glucose tests and other activities
that we conduct round the year, we encourage people to lead active and balanced
lives.”
Fit
Body trainers led a mass warm-up session prior to the walkathon. Upbeat music
added a fun component to the activity. Participants were also provided with
complimentary t-shirts, caps, and wristbands. Children’s entertainment such as
face-painting and balloon bending livened up the environment at the venue.
Dr Noor al Busaidy, President of Oman Diabetes Association, was present at the occasion and was glad to be a part of the walk. She said, “I’m extremely grateful to everyone who gathered in Qurum Park for the social cause. Diabetes has become a very serious concern across the globe and especially in the Sultanate, where the incidence of diabetes is extremely high. This is a result of a lot of factors put together — unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, lack of exercise. With the support of the masses we can spread awareness and beat diabetes and live a healthy life.”
The walkathon was preceded by a month long awareness campaign led by Landmark Group where over 1,500 free blood glucose tests were done across Oman in various public and private hospitals and shopping malls including the group’s stores.
Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate and currently affects over 371 million people worldwide.
Launched in 2009, the initiative today encompasses seven countries — UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, KSA and India. As part of the initiative Landmark Group conducts year round activities and these cumulate with the Beat Diabetes Walk organised in November — World Diabetes Month. Last year the Group organised a series of walkathons in 6 countries, which drew the participation of over 45,000 people, and a huge drive to provide free blood glucose tests. The group has also partnered with several organisations, including the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and local institutions in every country, to spread awareness about diabetes.
Dr Noor al Busaidy, President of Oman Diabetes Association, was present at the occasion and was glad to be a part of the walk. She said, “I’m extremely grateful to everyone who gathered in Qurum Park for the social cause. Diabetes has become a very serious concern across the globe and especially in the Sultanate, where the incidence of diabetes is extremely high. This is a result of a lot of factors put together — unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, lack of exercise. With the support of the masses we can spread awareness and beat diabetes and live a healthy life.”
The walkathon was preceded by a month long awareness campaign led by Landmark Group where over 1,500 free blood glucose tests were done across Oman in various public and private hospitals and shopping malls including the group’s stores.
Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate and currently affects over 371 million people worldwide.
Launched in 2009, the initiative today encompasses seven countries — UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, KSA and India. As part of the initiative Landmark Group conducts year round activities and these cumulate with the Beat Diabetes Walk organised in November — World Diabetes Month. Last year the Group organised a series of walkathons in 6 countries, which drew the participation of over 45,000 people, and a huge drive to provide free blood glucose tests. The group has also partnered with several organisations, including the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and local institutions in every country, to spread awareness about diabetes.
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