WILLEMSTAD, April 2, 2024 – Based on the initiative of Pediatricians Dr. Patricia Phillipi – van Arkel and Dr. Meindert Manshande, the pediatrics department has taken the initiative to incentivize their patients to make a change in their lives and habits and thus create a healthier lifestyle. There are enough indications to conclude that two-thirds of adults in Curaçao are overweight, half of whom have obesity. Additionally, more than a quarter of the children enter adulthood being overweight.
Being overweight can lead to consequences such as, but not limited to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes type 2. Thus working on prevention is of great importance. Prevention and a healthy lifestyle, therefore start form a young age.
Since October 2023, Dr. Philippi and Dr. Manshande, have started a walking club named the “Kana Dushi Club”. This initiative involves children from the Pediatric outpatient clinic going for a walk with the doctors every week. Every Monday at the end of the afternoon, children who are a member of the club, walk 2.5 kilometers with the doctors along the ‘Koredor’, a beautiful and safe strip along the sea.
With this project, the pediatricians want to show all Curaçaoan children and their parents that exercising can be free, is not difficult, and above all fun. During the walk, the patients (and their parents) can talk to the doctor(s) about anything, including nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. A short Zumba dance takes place halfway through; much to the delight of the children!
Dr. Phillipi and Dr. Manshande encourage everyone to join, therefore anyone who feels his or her child needs a bit more physical activity is welcome. Parents or caregivers must walk with the children and remain responsible for their safety. For more information, please contact 681-3163 (WhatsApp only). For registration, please scan the following QR code and complete the form or click on this link.
