Thai Prime Minister Champions Carb Counting to Combat Mounting Non-Communicable Diseases
Chiang Mai, Thailand – At a buzzing event hosted by the International Convention and Exhibition Center in Chiang Mai, Thai Prime Minister Pae Thongthan Shinawatra launched the 6th round of the "Driving Policy: Thai People Free from Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases" initiative.
This ambitious program, responding to the Prime Minister’s commitment to bolster public health, focuses on empowering communities to actively combat chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The program is particularly focused on the role of Village Health Volunteers, who play a crucial part in promoting healthy lifestyle changes within their communities.
"Our body is like a house," Shinawatra stated, addressing the gathered crowd. "If our house is clean and well-ventilated, we feel comfortable and relaxed. Taking care of ourselves, knowing which foods reduce our risk of illness, will keep us safe from non-communicable diseases."
The Prime Minister emphasized that these diseases, while not contagious, pose a significant threat to the well-being of Thai citizens. This initiative, she explained, provides knowledge and tools to prevent and manage these conditions, highlighting the importance of simple, everyday choices: "If people get sick less often, they have better health overall. The government also saves money by spending less on treating chronic illnesses. This is a win for both the people and the government."
Shinawatra enthusiastically kicked off the program’s carb-counting component, urging citizens to make informed dietary choices. "If you eat starch, it will eventually turn into sugar. Now that other options are available, I want people to choose (healthier alternatives).
The event, held in honor of the 7th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Cycling Birthday, saw thousands of Thai citizens participate, both in person and virtually. Significant government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Chandraruangthong and Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin, joined in supporting the program.
Minister Thepsuthin highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting Village Health Volunteers through the proposed Village Health Volunteer Act. "The Village Health Volunteers are the backbone of this initiative," he stressed.
This act, currently pending legislative approval, aims to provide increased funding and resources for these vital community health workers. The proposed funding will be generated from various sources, including confiscated funds from drug dealers.
The Minister also revealed plans for a low-interest loan program for Village Health Volunteers, facilitated through the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).
"Our policy today is clear: we can tackle these non-communicable diseases through the collaboration of Village Health Volunteers," declared Thepsuthin.
The program’s focus on carb counting, based on the respected Harris Benedict Equation formula for calculating calorie needs, is part of a comprehensive strategy to address diet-related chronic diseases in Thailand.
The "Driving Policy: Thai People Free from Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases" initiative underscores the Thai government’s proactive approach to public health, empowering communities and embracing innovative strategies in the fight against chronic disease.
2024-11-30 11:50:00
#Prime #Minister #starts #NCDs #Chiang #Mai #encouraging #Thai #people #healthy #sick
## Counting Calories? Counting Carbs! Thai PM Pushes Novel Approach to Combatting NCDs
**Chiang Mai, Thailand:** – In a bold move to tackle the growing tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) plaguing Thailand, Prime Minister Pae Thongthan Shinawatra has thrown his weight behind a surprisingly specific directive: carb counting.
launching the 6th iteration of the “Driving Policy: Thai People Free from Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases” initiative at the International Convention and Exhibition center in Chiang Mai, the Prime Minister emphasized the program’s focus on empowering communities through targeted dietary interventions, with carb counting taking center stage.
To delve deeper into this novel approach, World Today News spoke with Dr.Arom Siriphum, a leading endocrinologist and advisor to the Ministry of Public Health.
**WTN:** Dr. Siriphum, carb counting has frequently enough been associated with specific dietary plans like ketogenic diets. What’s the rationale behind its wider adoption in Thailand’s NCD prevention strategy?
**Dr. Siriphum:** While ketogenic diets are popular, carb counting itself is a flexible tool. Instead of eliminating carbs entirely, it involves understanding their impact on blood sugar levels and making informed choices.
For many Thais, customary diets are rice-heavy. While rice is a staple, excessive consumption can contribute to insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Carb counting allows individuals to manage their intake in a way that’s culturally relevant, sustainable, and tailored to their individual needs.
**WTN:** This initiative emphasizes community empowerment. How will this program translate theory into practice on the ground?
**Dr.Siriphum:** We’re not just giving people numbers. The program involves a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, we’re training healthcare workers to provide personalized carb-counting guidance. Secondly, we’re collaborating with local NGOs and community leaders to integrate this knowledge into existing health education programs. Lastly, we’re leveraging technology, including mobile apps and online resources, to make carb counting accessible and user-friendly for everyone.
**WTN:** Thailand has faced a surge in NCDs in recent years. How effective do you believe this carb-counting approach will be in curbing this trend?
**Dr. Siriphum:** It’s a long-term commitment.We see carb counting as a foundational tool,alongside other lifestyle changes like increased physical activity. Early data from pilot programs in rural communities is encouraging. We’ve seen improvements in blood sugar control and reduced reliance on medication. Though, sustained success requires ongoing education, support, and a commitment to making healthy choices accessible to all.
**WTN:** Thank you, Dr. Siriphum,for these valuable insights.
With its innovative approach to dietary intervention, Thailand’s carb-counting initiative promises to be a closely watched experiment in the global fight against NCDs. Only time will tell if it will truly empower communities and pave the way for a healthier future.
