Walk marks World Diabetes Day

National, Normal

GOVERNOR-General Sir Paulias Matane led a large crowd of health-conscious Port Moresby residents on a walk yesterday morning to create awareness of the dangers of obesity as well as the dangers of diabetes and heart diseases.
The walk started from the Sir John Guise Stadium, Waigani, to Five-Mile, Boroko Motors, SP Brewery, Poreporena Freeway, RH Hypermart and back to the stadium.
Organisers said that people from all walks of life, young and old, woke up as early as 5am for the walk, which marked World Diabetes Day that fell on Saturday.
The health walk was initiated by the Health Department’s lifestyle unit and was supported by the PNG Sports Federation, National Capital District Commission, Nambawan Super, St John Ambulance, Traffic and Road Safety Council and Hope PNG.
The unit’s technical adviser, Dr Thomas Vinit, said yesterday the department in partnership with World Health Organisation and World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) had found that 31% of people were overweight and 43% were obese.
“Our lifestyles need to change from being overweight and obese to live healthy and productive lives.
“The idea today is to bring everyone out for a walk and reduce weight; and as a start I encourage all to walk as a family and to do that consistently everyday at your own pace,” he said.