Awareness of the elderly
22 May 2006
Helping the elderly to help themselves was the key issue in April when every member of staff at Novo Nordisk Thailand was involved in a diabetes awareness day for the elderly at an elderly community centre in Baan Bangkae.
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The activities started at the crack of dawn on 10 April, 2006 when blood glucose levels were monitored, the elderly were weighed and their BMI (body mass index) was calculated. Advice about diet and exercise was given to those with high blood glucose levels, and consultations with local community doctors from nearby hospitals present, were arranged. A patient’s record book was given to each individual so personal health parameters such as blood glucose levels; height, weight etc could be recorded.
Later in the morning, the General Manager from NNPT gave a welcoming speech and introduced Novo Nordisk. Further presentations included basic information about diabetes by NNPT nurse educators including symptoms, prevention and treatment. The importance of foot care was also emphasised, and advice about suitable shoes and relevant exercises for the feet was given.
Thereafter laughter and fun echoed throughout the community the centre when games were introduced and played.
The day ended with the Thai New Year tradition of water blessing. Thai people usually pour water into the hands of people they respect aiming to receive blessing. Water, scented with jasmine, was poured into the hands for the elderly, leaving a smile firmly imprinted on their face.
