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Heartline Magazine April - June 2003
The Silent Killers
They are called the Silent Killers because, in their early
stages, the produce no warning signs or symptoms in unsuspecting victims until
they surface with deadly results. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and
heart disease belong to this group of diseases. Although obesity is all too
apparent, its added danger lies in the fact that it is not considered to be a
threat to life. Physicians generally do a good job in caring for patients
afflicted with these diseases, but not enough is done in terms of preventing
their onset.
It is with this is mind that a series of educational
programmes has been aired on CBC TV8 over the past several weeks. Sponsored by
the Rotary Club of Barbados South, the weekly hour-long programmes provided
viewers with much needed information on the Silent Killers and answered their
queries in a call-in format.
Professor George Nicholson, the host of the programmes is a
nephrologist specializing in the study and treatment of diseases of the kidneys.
He has been instrumental in the introduction of Haemodialysis (Artificial
Kidney) treatment in the Caribbean since 1970, first to Jamaica, then in
Barbados. He has also been involved in rental transplantation in Jamaica and
Barbados, and is credited with establishing dialysis units in Antigua and
Tortola (BVI).
A director of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, Professor
Nicholson is involved in that club's community outreach programmes, particularly
in the area of health. Concerned by the increasing prevalence of obesity in the
society, he came up with the idea for a series of television programmes that
would explain to the public the dangers of being overweight and the
relationships between obesity and the other silent killers diabetes,
hypertension, heart disease, and cancer.
"Obesity is a chronic disease and is a major problem facing
the Caribbean, indeed the world, but we tend to ignore it. It is a condition
that physicians do not address to any large extent" said Professor Nicholson. As
he puts it, "there is a fat lady on every corner, but we tend to use euphemisms
that distract from the fact that one is fat, such as she's carrying too much
weight. When it's a man, we say 'Oh he's looking well."
"I don't know whether, with the best will in the world, we
can change this mindset," continued Professor Nicholson. "It is very difficult
to change behaviour. Still, people who are in health care need to become much
more involved. These are the ones who should be aware of the problems and should
provide the solutions. Long-term attention and commitment are what is needed."
To kick off discussion on the planned series a meeting was
held with major players in the health field. These included the presidents of
the Rotary Club of Barbados South, the Heart Foundation of Barbados, the
Diabetes Association of Barbados, the Diabetes Foundation and the Barbados
Kidney Association. There were also representatives from PAHO/WHO and the
Barbados Registered Nurses Association. The Nation Newspaper was invited because
of their extensive coverage of health issues, and its pioneering role in the
promotion of Healthy Lifestyles. Rotary Barbados South sponsored the first of
the Nation's Health Extravaganzas for 2003 in St. George and is expected to be
associated with similar activities in the future.
"My original plan was for four episodes, dealing
specifically with obesity", said Professor Nicholson. "I felt that this was in
itself an ambitious initiative. However, it became clear that we would have to
broaden the scope of the programme to include the other Silent Killers, and that
more episodes would be needed. We put the idea to CBC, they liked it, and
suggested that the series run for 13 episodes."
Professor Nicholson was asked to be moderator for the
series, since it was thought that he would know more about the topics than a
professional presenter. "At one point I thought that I had bitten off more than
I could chew," he said, " but there was no turning back. Too much was at stake.
And my colleagues came forward willingly."
Not only were physicians chosen for the panel but also
experts in other areas who could contribute their special expertise. These
included those in other health-care related areas of activity. Physicians who
took part in the series included Professor Henry Fraser, Professor Trevor
Hassell, Professor Mickey Walrond, Dr. Chudu Ali, Dr. Colin Alert, Dr. David
Corbin, Dr. Livingston Forde, Dr. Collete George, Mr. Tony Harris, Dr. Anselm
Hennis, Dr. Oscar Jordan, Dr. Raymond Massay, and Dr. Cyril Reifer. Mrs. Maryam
Hinds (Director of the Barbados Drug Service), Mrs. Karen Griffith (dietician),
Mrs. Simone Lorde (podiatrist), Mr. Ram Khoday (prosthetist), and Mr. Tyronne
Belle (researcher), were experts in various fields who contributed to the
programme.
"The hosting of a television series is quite different from
the practice of medicine" admitted Professor Nicholson, "and I was fortunate to
have the coaching and advice of CBC's experienced producer, Vic Brewster, in
various aspects of programme management, presentation and control, as well as
learning how to interact with the director, floor managers and other members of
the crew in order to ensure the smooth flow of the programme."
What was the public's response to the programmes in terms of
the questions asked?
Professor Nicholson noted that public interest was very high
and good questions were asked, that gave the panel the opportunity to expand on
the topics under discussion. "It was a wonderful experience", concluded
Professor Nicholson, "getting together with my colleagues in such a public forum
and being able to disseminate vital information was good. We were able to get
feedback and prompting from the public, and to share ideas and suggestions with
them as well as with each other."
However it is clear that not enough is known about the
diseases called the Silent Killers, and Professor Nicholson feels that there is
need for a lot more education, both in the short and long term if we are to
adequately confront and deal with these diseases.
More TV programmes in the offing?
Recently retired as Professor of Medicine and Nephrology at
the University of the West Indies, Professor Nicholson has been appointed
Professor Emeritus and Honorary Consultant Physician at the Queen Elizabeth
Hospital. He is Director of International Service in the Rotary Club of Barbados
South.
"Producing similar programmes for the media is an option" he
said. "In any event, retirement gives me more time to devote to community
related ventures within Rotary, and there are several other areas of activity to
which I can contribute at the regional level."
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