Healthy Life marks Woarld Diabetes Day with month-long programme

With the number of diabetic patients worldwide expected to rise steadily, the disease calls for urgent attention from the patient themselves. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications, affecting a person’s health, well-being and lifestyle.

However, diabetes can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and constantly monitoring the disease. Internationally, the World Diabetes Day will be marked on 14 November, 2010. In this light, the multi-speciality centre, Healthy Life Clinic has dedicated the entire month of November to provide individual consultations to diabetic patients, while also offering other special packages throughout the month.

“Diabetes alone is not a huge problem if you watch your diet, do regular physical exercise and stick to the target. But if you develop complications, your quality of life will be affected. That’s where education of the patient comes in – where we tell them not to let themselves get to this level,” said Dr. Kayathri Periasamy, Consultant in charge of Healthy Life Clinic.

Diabetes educators and specialist nurses at Healthy Life Clinic play a pivotal role in creating awareness of the disease. “The more a patient knows about diabetes, the better they can look after themselves,” clarified Chandima, diabetes nurse educator.

Every year, Healthy Life Clinic organises large scale awareness programmes aimed at educating the public on diabetes, its consequences and prevention. However, it was realised that individual attention and education are the main factors contributing towards diabetes awareness and care.

“Each individual is different, their needs and work environment is different. Thus, one kind of diet or prescription may not fit all,” said Dr. Kayathri elaborating on the benefits of individual consultations. In addition, a sustained and strong doctor patient relationship was also essential.  The individual consultations will be conducted at a nominal price, with only a booking fee charged, and appointments can be made via telephone or website. Each patient will spend around 10 to 15 minutes with the consultants and then another 15 minutes with diabetes educator or nurse, who will provide information about diet, lifestyle, foot care etc. This will be available for diabetes detection, prevention, management of complications and obesity. Around 10 patients will be taken for each session. Patients will also be advised on follow-up treatment and further tests to be done, where necessary.

The many diabetes food items available in the market will also be available for the patient to gain a better understanding of healthy food.  

Maximum patient comfort and care will also be assured. The Clinic’s quiet atmosphere ensures patient comfort, while its in-house laboratory and pharmacy provide convenience.

In addition to the individual consultations, promotions will also be conducted. Health and medical check-up packages and testing, such as blood tests will be available at discounted rates, while dental and eye checks can also be obtained.  

A multi-specialty channelling centre, Healthy Life Clinic emphasises on prevention, health and disease management and lifestyle modification for improved health. Established as the Healthy Life Diabetes Clinic, the patient centre provides complete diabetes care, from educating a patient about their illness, to providing treatment and addressing complications.  Over the years, Health Life Clinic has expanded its services catering to diverse patient needs, such as the dental care, women and children’s needs, foot care, cardiology and neurology clinics and counselling services were introduced. In addition, dietary consultations, yoga and exercises advise, and speech and physiotherapy are also offered. Programmes are also conducted on corporate health aimed at highlighting aspects in the corporate sector, such as work loss due to disease and the importance of proper diet.

Located at the heart of Colombo, the Clinic is open from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Timings for individual consultations during the month of November will vary depending on consultants availability.