Belize Diabetes Association
Healthy Choices for Healthy Living
Our Plan of Action
It is envisioned that the projects listed below will significantly enhance the impact of the Belize Diabetes Association by addressing various aspects of diabetes awareness, prevention, management, and support across different segments of the population.
Establish or reestablish BDA municipal & Diaspora branches
The Belize Diabetes Association (BDA) will establish or reestablish branches in all the major municipalities across the country as well as communities with a significant Belizean population in the diaspora to extend its reach and provide localized support for individuals living with diabetes. These branches will play a crucial role in promoting diabetes awareness, prevention, and management at the community level, ensuring that resources and support are accessible to all Belizeans.
Youth Diabetes Education Program
The Belize Diabetes Association’s Youth Diabetes Education Program is an initiative designed to educate young people about diabetes, its prevention, and management. This program aims to instill healthy habits early on, raise awareness, and support youth affected by diabetes, creating a foundation for healthier future generations.
The Belize Diabetes Association will seek to develop a Risk Assessment App (a digital tool) to help individuals assess their risk of developing diabetes. The app will provide users with personalized insights and recommendations to promote proactive health management and diabetes prevention. The primary purpose of the app is:
Assist users in evaluating their risk of developing diabetes
Educate users on diabetes risk factors and prevention strategies
Encourage proactive health management through personalized recommendations
The Belizean Diabetes Kitchen
The Belizean Diabetes Kitchen is a live or recorded cooking show created by the Belize Diabetes Association. The show offers cooking classes focused on healthy, diabetes-friendly recipes, aiming to educate and inspire the Belizean community to adopt nutritious eating habits that support diabetes management and prevention. The primary purpose is to:
.Educate viewers on how to prepare healthy, diabetes-friendly meals
Promote nutritional awareness and healthy eating habits
Provide practical cooking skills and tips for managing diabetes through diet
Showcase delicious and culturally relevant recipes that align with diabetes dietary guidelines
Belize Diabetes Risk Assessment App
Workplace Wellness Program
The Belize Diabetes Association’s Workplace Wellness Program is designed to partner with local businesses to implement comprehensive wellness initiatives. These programs aim to foster healthier work environments by offering regular health screenings, fitness challenges, and educational workshops, ultimately improving employee health and productivity while reducing the risk of diabetes. The purpose is to:
Promote health and wellness in the workplace
Reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases among employees
Enhance employee productivity, morale, and overall well-being
Provide businesses with tools and resources to support a healthy workforce
Belize Diabetes Research Fund
The Diabetes Research Fund is an initiative by the Belize Diabetes Association aimed at creating a dedicated fund to support local research on diabetes. This fund focuses on addressing the unique challenges and finding effective solutions relevant to the Belizean population. By fostering local research, the initiative seeks to enhance understanding, improve management, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Belize. The primary lines of effort are:
Promote and fund research on diabetes specific to the Belizean context
Identify unique challenges faced by the Belizean population regarding diabetes prevention and management
Develop and implement effective solutions and interventions tailored to local needs
Enhance the overall understanding of diabetes and its impact in Belize
Diabetes Public Awareness Campaign
The Belize Diabetes Public Awareness Campaign is an initiative by the Belize Diabetes Association to educate the public about diabetes prevention and management. Utilizing a variety of media channels, including TV, radio, and social media, this campaign aims to raise awareness, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide essential information to help reduce the incidence of diabetes in Belize. The primary lines of effort are :
Raise awareness about diabetes, its risk factors, and complications
Educate the public on prevention strategies and effective management of diabetes
Encourage early detection and regular health screenings
Foster a supportive community environment for individuals living with diabetes
Annual Diabetes Conference
The Annual Diabetes Conference organized by the Belize Diabetes Association is a premier event aimed at bringing together healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, and other stakeholders. The conference features expert speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and community building. The primary lines of effort are:
Provide a comprehensive platform for education and discussion on diabetes management and prevention
Facilitate the exchange of the latest research, best practices, and innovations in diabetes care
Strengthen the network of healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers to improve diabetes outcomes in Belize-
“Nature has given us all the pieces required to achieve exceptional wellness and health, but has left it to us to put these pieces together.”
—
Diane McLaren