UNDERSTANDING that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is one of the leading causes of deaths in Fiji and the Pacific, Miss Frincos Hire Fiji, Daisy Anise, hopes she can motivate people to live a healthy life during the Telecom Fiji Ltd Sugar Festival.

The Motusa, Rotuma native said her decision to join the pageant had come as a surprise to her family.

“A friend had asked if I was interested and I thought maybe this could be good for me and I agreed. My family had to ask me if I was serious when I told them and we had a bit of a laugh over it but they were supportive of me and I am grateful,” she said.

Ms Anise is an avid sports person and has a keen interest in art and craft. She hopes to impart her message on combating the risk factors of NCDs.

“A lot of people do not realise that there is a rising epidemic with issues related to NCDs. Risk factors contributing to NCDs include tobacco use, physical inactivity and the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets. We need to promote the need for healthy living to better our chances of a longer, healthier life,” she said.

The Sugar festival was officially opened on Saturday by Minister for Local Government, Praveen Bala.