PESHAWAR, Nov 26: The Abasin Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS) will arrange a food mela at Nishtar Hall here on Sunday to create awareness among people, particularly those suffering from diabetes and blood pressure , about harmful effects of fatty and sweet food.

During the mela, separate stalls for men and women would be set up where housewives and cooks would prepare food under the supervision of doctors and food experts. Patients of sugar and blood pressure will be guided about the food they should avoid.

This was stated by Dr Ziaul Hassan, director of the AIMS, at a press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Friday. Flanked by Ayaz Mujahid, in charge of the AIMS diabetes care and Dr Mohammad Ayaz, medical director, Dr Zia said that besides food and exercise guidance, speeches would be delivered on health.

He said the federal minister of state for sports and culture, Mohammad Ali Durrani would be the chief guest on the occasion while member of the National Assembly, Sabir Hussain Awan would inaugurate the programme.

He said that a marathon race would start from Jinnah Park on 23rd March, 2005 at 9am. He appealed to the people of all parts of the province to participate in the race.

He said: "By arranging the food mela we want to give a message to the patients of diabetes and blood pressure and their family members that without sweets and fats taste of food is also possible, which is not only practicable for patients but for healthy people also. Such food should be called as healthy food."

He said that there are countries where people do not use sweet and fatty food and use vegetables and fruits. Therefore, there the ratio of diabetes, blood pressure and heart diseases is very low.

He underlined the need for mass awareness against the use of sweet and oily foods, saying that there is a greater need of support from domestic environment and society. We should fight against this trend, he added.