Health fair/family fun day activity marks Caribbean Wellness Day

Sep 14, 2014 News

Persons from all walks of life turned out in their numbers at the Square of the

Participants during a quiz competition at the Caribbean Wellness Day activity yesterday

Revolution yesterday to participate in a grand ‘Health Fair and Family Fun Day’ hosted by the Ministry of Health.
The activity which attracted scores of citizens and local health officials marked the observance of Caribbean Wellness Day 2014, which was commemorated under the theme, Promoting Healthy Lifestyles for National and Regional Development.
Caribbean Wellness Day was initiated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in 2008.
The observance which is commemorated on the second Saturday every September, provides an opportunity for Caribbean nationals to place special emphasis on the importance of healthy eating habits, avoidance of substance abuse, excessive use of alcohol and the importance of regular exercise in combating chronic Non –Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
NCDs are not passed from person to person, but have been recorded as the most common cause of deaths around the world.
There are four main types of NCDS; cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. Risk factors include age, gender, heredity and exposure to pollution and other harmful effects of the environment.
Concerned about the physical, economic and social burdens caused by lifestyle-related diseases, CARICOM member states have been united in the fight against NCDs by hosting a number of health fairs, family fun days, fitness walks and other awareness activities.
This year, the Health Ministry collaborated with a number of Governmental and Non Governmental Agencies to promote the event. As such, several tents were erected at Square of the Revolution to educate health fair visitors about various aspects of combating NCDs.
Participating agencies included the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Doobay Renal Centre, the National Agricultural Research/Extension Institute (NAREI), the National Vector Control Board and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
Health fair participants were reminded that eating healthy, being active, and visiting health care professionals for regular checkups are essential to preventing NCDS.
They were also given opportunities to conduct HIV, blood sugar and blood group tests as well as check their body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure. Patrons also participated in several health quizzes and competitions.
Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and Director of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne and several senior health sector officials were among those present at the event.
Dr. Etienne said that she was very pleased with the initiative and lauded the participating agencies for the multi-sectoral approach in creating awareness about NCDs.
She urged the gathering to unite in the fight against NCDS. “It is about a multi-sectoral approach it’s about communities, families and individuals working in their respective capacities to help us to control this epidemic.”
She told the gathering that prevention of NCDS is essential to preserving the wealth and future of the nation.
“We must come together to defeat chronic diseases because this is a problem that has been causing disabilities in people; some persons get stroke which prevents them from working and contributing to the development of their families, communities and country.”
On Thursday, the Ministry officially launched its Wellness Warriors Club (WWC).
The club will serve to promote healthy, active lifestyles and health literacy nationwide by first training teenagers and young adults who will serve as wellness warriors.
The main function of the club is to raise health awareness and educate communities on the benefits of practicing healthy lifestyles, provide education and information on risk factors that predispose ill-health.