Minister launches Healthy School TT programme

Obesity is ruling the lives of young people in this country.

Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh made this announcement at the launch of the Healthy School TT initiative at Mt Hope Secondary School yesterday.

He said 964 legs were amputated in 2016 because of diabetes and six out of 67 students had high blood pressure through testing at the school.

Deyalsingh said since his appointment as Health Minister, he has been advocating for healthy eating and healthier lifestyles for children and had called for a ban on soft drinks and sugary juices in schools.

He said children as young as 16 were having kidney failure. The minister himself is also diabetic.

Also present at the launch were several of our local athletes including Olympic gold medallist and national sport ambassador Hasely Crawford, who is also diabetic.

Students were given pressure tests and the minister worked out with them during an aerobics session. The minister said he would be heading to South next during this initiative to enlighten young people on healthy eating and exercise.

The minister was also accompanied by athletes Keston Bledman, Jehue Gordon and Andrew Lewis.