WILLEMSTAD - With over 50% of our population suffering from at least one chronic illness and no less than 20% of our community dealing with multiple chronic conditions, the situation is alarming. Movement, as part of a healthy lifestyle, is crucial if we want to change the troubling direction of our nation’s health. For this reason, LABdeMED, as a company with corporate social responsibility, finds it important to contribute to the efforts of the Curaçao Sports Development Foundation (FDDK) in encouraging the nation to stay active. This is also why LABdeMED is, for the second consecutive year, part of the major effort behind Curaçao International Sports Week and the activities planned for the near future.
Alongside the 50% of people in Curaçao suffering from a chronic illness, we also observe that no less than 20% suffer from multiple chronic conditions. Twenty-five percent of the population has high blood pressure, while at least 10% of society is diabetic. This not only greatly affects the lives of these patients but also places an enormous strain on society and costs the country significantly in specialized care. Education and intensive medical care are the only ways to prevent and change this concerning trend. At LABdeMED, we witness this daily in our laboratory and through our support of general practitioners via the Praktijk Ondersteuner Huisarts (POH), who assists doctors in guiding and treating their patients. A healthy life, through proper nutrition and movement, is essential for the soul, mind, and body.
FDDK's efforts to motivate and encourage our community to stay active through initiatives like Curaçao International Sports Week complement the work being done by the Praktijk Ondersteuner Huisarts (POH). Movement from a young age further contributes to establishing a healthy lifestyle for a long life. People who stay active are more motivated in life. This year, LABdeMED will contribute to the International Sports Week by giving presentations during the symposium, holding workshops for young people about healthy living, and providing health checks through their LABdeMED bus at various events.
LABdeMED hopes that the activities during Curaçao International Sports Week will ignite the spark for Curaçao to move towards reducing the number of illnesses and creating a healthier and happier community. Alongside its investment in certified POH professionals, who support general practitioners and their patients daily, LABdeMED will continue to be a partner in FDDK's efforts to encourage the community to stay active.