James Bridgewater, Membership Director

“At the moment we have about 40 members, but we’re continuously trying to persons get more,” Bridgewater said to the ‘Just For The Health Of It.’

A diabetic for more than five years, James has been through the ‘ups and downs’ of the illness and is of the view that the Association’s motto is to properly guide those diagnosed with the illness to eat properly and to gauge their condition.

He noted that individuals can join the Association for any of the following reasons:

They could be diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 11 Diabetes Mellitus

Are involved with the care of a family member or patient with any form of Diabetes

Have health concerns that are related to symptoms similar to Diabetes

Have concerns with obesity or require a weight-loss programme

Want to be a corporate supporter of the Diabetes Association to help with its community outreach programmes.

Benefits of Membership

According to Bridgewater an individual who becomes a member of the Diabetes Association has access to the products and services offered at or via the BVI Diabetes Resources Center, at a reduced from normal market price rate. For example, a cholesterol test is obtained at the minimal cost of $5 per test (it is recommended that the test be taken every three months).

“Blood sugar tests are done free of charge and there is a weight-loss programme in place for those with obesity problems,” he noted.

Additionally, the Diabetes Association has a Care Team consisting of a Nutritionist, a Podiatrist (foot care professional), a Medical Advisor and a Legal Advisor. There is also a special outreach for young persons dealing with Diabetes.

Plans are also afoot by the Association to widen its reach to the Latino community with offering literature in Spanish, and having public service announcements in Spanish for the media.

Cost of membership for persons under 65 years of age is $25 per annum, and over 65 years of age is $5 per annum.

Corporate membership is at $100 per annum.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comments

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment