AUB representative, Dr. Angela Carrington-Dyall, as she spoke during the launch of the Schools Against Non-Communicable Diseases Charity Fun Walk and Health Fair, held at the American University of Barbados (AUB).
AUB representative Dr. Angela Carrington-Dyall sits with Co-ordinator of the Schools Against Non-Communicable Diseases initiative, Ashley Lashley, of the Lodge School, during its launch which was held at the American University of Barbados (AUB).
AUB to play its part in reducing CNCDs
The American University of Barbados (AUB), School of Medicine is committed to playing its part in reducing the prevalence and complications of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs) in Barbados.
AUB representative Dr. Angela Carrington-Dyall acknowledged the above, as she spoke at the launch of the Schools Against Non-Communicable Diseases Charity Fun Walk and Health Fair, which was held this week at the new campus of the American University of Barbados, located at the former BET Building in Wildey, St. Michael.
While stressing that CNCDs like obesity, Type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension and certain forms of cancer do hold a genetic predisposition, she however maintained that they also carry an increased risk that is closely associated with lifestyle choices.
“It is therefore within our hands to make the choice to reduce our risk of CNCDs and the risk of those around us and this walk signifies not only a means of ensuring awareness about this cause, but it affords an opportunity to put into practice one of the known methods of reducing the risk of many of these CNCDs – exercise,” Carrington-Dyall told those gathered.
One other method, she said, is to investigate causes, as well as preventative and curative measures and the AUB she stressed, is focusing on this aspect.
“At AUB and our mother university Era’s Lucknow Medical, we join hands with local, regional and international researchers, into the mechanisms that may be impaired in these conditions and some that may be exploited to correct them,” she stated.
“Some of the research targets the alleviation of symptoms, while others are aimed at reducing the associated complications. Since many of these conditions only become symptomatic quite far into the disease, it is good to see young persons willing to take charge of their lives, with respect to these conditions and also to inform their peers,” she further commented.
It was also noted that the AUB, in association with ERAS, has launched its international peer review journal called the “Era’s Journal of Medical Research” and 25 per cent of those articles deal with some aspect of CNCDs. The AUB Rep meanwhile revealed that in the near future, the AUB will likely be able to offer even greater assistance, with its proposed clinic.