• Doctor said poor eating habits and lifestyles are leading to a rise in obesity
• Condition predisposes one to other diseases, like cancer, stroke and heart attack
Image: COURTESY
A medic says cases of lifestyle diseases in Kiambu county are increasing, singling out obesity as a major concern.
Speaking during a free medical camp on Friday, Dr Richard Kamau said poor eating habits and lifestyles are leading to a rise in diabetes types 1 and 2, hypertension and obesity.
"Obesity is clearly becoming a big problem," he said.
"It predisposes one to other diseases, such as cancer, stroke and heart attack."
The medical camp was organised by Githunguri Dairy and Community Foundation.
Kamau said lack of exercise, unbalanced diet, obesity and excessive use of tobacco are the main reasons most Kenyans are contracting lifestyle diseases.
The specialist from Githunguri cited with concern that diabetes mellitus, which affects children, is becoming prevalent in the country.
"This is mainly caused by either parents contracting the disease while expectant or other poor lifestyle," he said.
The medic urged parents to look for diabetes symptoms in their children, including frequent urination and especially at night, dehydration and excessive consumption of water.
"They should take their children for screening as soon as they spot these symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment," he said.
"It is also imperative for parents to be strict on their children's diet to keep the disease at bay or in check."
Dr Kamau said diabetes type 2 cases are equally surging due to laxity by Kenyans to exercise.
"This is why in every 10 persons, one is diabetic," he said.
The medic said the rising cases of diabetes have triggered a surge in other related diseases, including stroke, heart attack and kidney failure.
He rallied Kenyans to embrace the consumption of more proteins and vegetables and reduce carbohydrates in their meals to beat the disease.
“We also must sensitise people on screening at least once annually,” he said.
“Secondly, focus on diet by encouraging healthy diet (foods). Thirdly, people must exercise, even the American Diabetic Association advocates 30 minutes of exercise five days a week.”
Those who benefitted from the camp, including Samuel Njonge and Mary Muthoni, called on Kenyans to get tested for diabetes for early diagnosis and treatment as well as observing their nutrition.
Resident Peter Njau, who termed the disease a 'silent killer', said Kenyans must also uphold body exercises to keep the malady at bay.
The residents pleaded with the government to enhance primary health care at the grassroot levels to help most needy locals in the villages.
Irene Kamondo, the foundation's marketing manager, said the medical camp was an initiative to help the more than 60,000 farmers in the GDC Sacco access primary health care, which has usually been costly and inaccessible.
"We discovered that members have been suffering silently and maybe due to the cost or accessibility to the requisite medical services," Kamondo said.
"The health of our farmers is crucial since they are part of the country's economic backbone."
She said besides the Sh2 million medical camp, the sacco has been training the farmers on green energy, including solar and preparation of biogas.