Former prominent radio personality Bernadette Rounds-Ganilau says people need to learn from the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
She described Ratu Epeli as the “epitome of good health” during a World Diabetes Day event at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva on Friday.
Ms Rounds-Ganilau said Ratu Epeli was usually spotted exercising around Suva.
“Ratu Epeli walks every day, for a person his age, born in 1941, he is still fit,” she said.
“For 35 years I have been living with diabetes, so I also urge people to eat the right food and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
She said the theme for this year’s event was “family and diabetes”.
“Diabetes causes an emotional stress on families, with one in three Fijians dying from diabetes every year.”
Speaking at the event, Ratu Epeli said Fiji was not alone in the fight against diabetes.
“Diabetes and its effects on the people of Fiji are very well documented,” he said.
“The burden of health costs on individuals, families, workforce and Government is alarming.
“The people and communities need to take full ownership of their own health and wellbeing.”
