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 TODAY is Holy Thursday. It is also referred to as Maundy Thursday. In Europe, the Christian monarchs used to wash the feet of poor people on the Thursday before Easter in memory of Jesus’ act. Also on this day, Jesus ate and drank with his followers. This meal became known as the Last Supper, because Jesus died soon after. 

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TOMORROW is Good Friday. It is the commemoration of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. In some countries, the bells are tolled while in others, they are silenced until Sunday. A custom also is the eating of hot cross buns. Many superstitions go with hot cross buns such as they are a charm against evil. 

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HOLY Saturday is part of the mourning period which begins on Good Friday. Easter is the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus, with its promise of eternal life. A symbol of the resurrection is the egg out of which a bird hatches. Easter Monday is day of sports and games of various kinds. 

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WITH the Easter weekend, there is a lot of eating for some. We should also note that there are steps for a good health. Be well – stay as physically active in as many ways and as often as you can. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes every day. Choose a variety of food low in saturated fat and salt. High fibre food is also recommended. Eat less food (energy) than you use (burn) to reduce body weight if you are overweight

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IF possible, test your blood glucose levels regularly. Blood glucose levels kept within recommended ranges will lower your risk of many complications: 4-8mmol/L is the ideal range but individuals’ goals will vary depending on what your doctor or diabetes educator recommends for you.

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IF you drink alcohol, do so in moderation and, if you chew buai, adhere to tradition and do so in moderation. Keep track of your weight (and waist). If overweight, even small amounts of weight loss can make a big difference to your general health and diabetes management. 

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HAVE your doctor arrange for the recommended management and complication checks: Measure blood pressure every visit, blood glucose average (HbA1c) every three or six months, and cholesterol (lipid profile) and kidneys (micraolbumin) every year. Ask your doctor if you have had your cycle of care. Have your eyes (retina) checked by an eye specialist or trained optometrist every year to check the blood vessels in the back of your eyes.

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THANK you, Hope Worldwide, for the healthy tips.

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THERE were a number of sad faces at yesterday’s launch of the complaints desk at lands and physical planning department. The investigations that follow will expose corrupt officers.

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