WATA continues partnership with Diabetes Association of Jamaica

WATA, in partnership with the Diabetes Association of Jamaica (DAJ) kicked off a series of activities last week, to recognise World Diabetes Day at their DAJ headquarters with an entire day of free health checks and educational messages from the Ministry of Health and members of the DAJ. This was then followed by an afterwork, one hour workout session at Emancipation Park which received over 200 participants that were kept hydrated with WATA.

"The DAJ has a long standing relationship with WISYNCO and we were delighted to partner with WATA for World Diabetes Day. We loved the turnout as so many patrons were able to receive free health screenings, diabetes education, counselling, hydration by WATA and a fun workout session," stated Lurline Less, chair of the DAJ.

Diabetes is a serious problem in Jamaica and is the second leading cause of death for Jamaicans under the age of 70, the number one cause of death for women and the number three cause of death for men. Though incurable, the disease is treatable, controllable and WATA (water) can help.

Good hydration is important for health but this is particularly true for people living with diabetes. Due to the nature of their condition, diabetics are more susceptible to suffering from dehydration and its debilitating effects.

WISYNCO'S NEW BEVERAGE POLICY

As well as medical intervention, diabetes patients have to take care of their lifestyle to help regulate their condition. This includes drinking enough fluids. In particular, drinking water will help the body to flush out excess glucose as part of a lifestyle management programme when a problem with blood sugar has been flagged up.

Diabetes awareness and prevention methods have become a major topic for Jamaicans and therefore very important to WATA, which continues to encourage Jamaicans to lead healthy and balanced lifestyles.

"Our month long activities with DAJ for Diabetes Month is only one of our main initiatives for November. In an effort to continue improving health and lifestyle, Wisynco's new beverage policy became effective on November 1st, with the WATA and CranWATA brands at the center of our school portfolio focused on hydration and nutrition. The product line continues to expand and as we are evolving our recipes and introducing new products with lower and no sugar content," stated Michaela Francis, WATA brand manager.

"WATA continues to support institutions and programmes that are geared towards improving health and promoting active lifestyles. This is tandem with our commitment to supporting wellness initiatives such as: 'Jamaica Moves', 'Fit For Christmas' and a number of 5K runs, providing hydration and raising awareness around living an active lifestyle."

ACTIVITIES

WATA Wellness series of activities:

-- The WATA team will be at Liguanea Club and Emancipation Park over the remaining three weeks.

- These sessions are scheduled November 21 and 28 and December 5.

- The pool of instructors include WATA ambassador, trainer and sports nutritionist, Kamila McDonald; kickboxing expert, Chantal Kong; the TrainFit Team, with whom there is never a dull moment in their boot camp; and the popular Franci, who keeps things spicy with her dance moves.

- WATA will close out their month of activities with another free medical screening station at the WATA Wellness session on December

- There will be free health checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass indices (BMI).