| In recognition of the fact that an improper diet is a risk factor for cancer, the Ministry of Health, through its Food and Drug Analyst Department, is currently working in collaboration with the Caribbean Regional Organisation for Standard and Quality (CROSQ) in Barbados to arrest this prevailing problem.Minister of Health,Cheap Air Max 90, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, stressed that this measure is especially crucial because “the Caribbean can no longer afford not to have standards for trans-fat and salt. We must regulate our food content so that life in Guyana and the Caribbean will be very different within the next 24 months as we introduce these standards.”Implementing these standards will, by extension,Nike Air Max 95 For Sale, govern the way that foods are processed, thereby ensuring that they are done in accordance with outlined stipulations, the Minister explained.“I congratulate Europe and North America for having taken these rigid actions already…But Guyanese will have to learn to make better use of our foods.”The Minister revealed that at least 62 percent of Guyanese do not eat an adequate supply of fruits and vegetables. Guyana, he said, is not listed among the countries that are not able to provide enough food, but rather the problem that exists is that the wrong kinds of foods are being utilised. In essence, he asserted that the make-up of the foods are not balanced and therefore constitute an improper diet and could be the basis for the formation of some kinds of cancer.And even as efforts are being made to address the eating habits of Guyanese, the Minister emphasised that his Ministry will continue to look closely at the problem of smoking,Wholesale Air Max Tn, which has also proven to be a risk factor for cancer. And it is not just those who indulge in the habit of smoking that are at risk, as according to the Minister, those who are exposed to second-hand smoke are similarly vulnerable.The consumption of alcohol, too, has been recognised as a dangerous practice, which can lead to the development of cancer. In fact, he lamented that “too many of us interpret the science of alcohol conveniently, and in direct conflict to our benefits…We put ourselves at risk for various kinds of cancer – liver cancer,Air Max 90 Essential White And Black, colon cancer, et cetera. These are all things that we have to take responsibility for.”And in light of the fact that there is currently a convergence of communicable and chronic diseases, Minister Ramsammy asserted that early diagnosis could by extension lead to the prevention of cancer.The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), for instance, can occur in young individuals once they are sexually active, the Minister said, a condition, which could also eventually develop intocancer. In this instance, he said that the condition of cancer would occur until 20 or 30 years later but “if we can identify HPV early,Air Max 97 Uk, we will know who is at risk and be able to manage the condition.An early diagnosis will allow us to treat this condition successfully.”Minister Ramsammy explained that not only is cancer preventable, but once diagnosed early, it can be curable. He opined that the problem in Guyana is that people seek medical attention often when it is too late.“At this point we can only treat them and help them to live longer,Cheap Nike Free Run Shoes, but even with treatment, some of them come at such a late stage that we are unable to do much for them.”World Cancer Day was observed on a global scale last Friday under the theme, “Teaching Children and Teenagers to limit their sun exposure by being SunSmart”. However, it is the view of Minister Ramsammy that everyone in Guyana must become involved in the fight against cancer, an epidemic that claims the life of approximately 450 persons locally, on an annual basis. |
