ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, May 29th, 2012 – Communities in the Virgin Islands are being encouraged to eat healthy and include more fruits and vegetables in their diets as the Territory joins the Caribbean region in commemorating Caribbean Food and Nutrition Day on Friday.
Observed under the theme Healthy Eating and Active Living: Create and Enabling School/Work/Community Environment, Caribbean Food and Nutrition Day is commemorated annually throughout the Caribbean region and highlights the importance of healthy eating and active living.
Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Dr. Irad Potter told the Department of Information and Public Relations, “As the Ministry actively finalises a chronic disease strategy for the Territory, the observance of Caribbean Food and Nutrition Day and placing greater emphasis on developing healthier dietary habits and active lifestyles are paramount to reducing chronic diseases and safeguarding the well being of the population so that we can build a healthier society”.
Dr. Potter noted that daily physical activity is recommended for all age groups in accordance with their condition and ability, and should always be in consultation with their health care provider.
Food and Nutrition Coordinator in the ministry Mrs. Dawn Leonard spoke with the Department of Information and Public Relations and said, “This year’s theme focuses on encouraging schools, workplaces and the community to develop environments which enable persons to engage in greater physical activities and to opt for healthier food choices.”
Mrs. Leonard added, “It is hoped that these types of programmes will be sustainable and the combined efforts will improve the overall health of the people of the Virgin Islands.”
In addressing the need for persons to develop healthier eating habits, the coordinator stated, “Fruits and vegetables provide dietary fibre which are scientifically proven to improve digestive health. They also help to lower blood cholesterol, provide powerful antioxidants to help fight cancer and aid in healthy weight loss.”
In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Culture, pre-schools are being encouraged to use activities which focus on the importance of healthy eating and active living through various strategies.
“If we can achieve intergenerational change in the way we view our relationship with food, we would eventually see a positive change towards healthier habits. There is a need for strong, inter-sectoral collaboration in achieving greater success in improving health and wellness for the Territory,” said Mrs. Leonard.
In commemoration of Caribbean Food and Nutrition Day, the Ministry of Health and Social Development is encouraging offices to develop a workplace health and wellness policy and a work plan, and the Ministry is available to provide technical support to any organisation or firm interested in developing these policies.
Additionally, on a community level and in collaboration with Sensus Gym, the Ministry of Health and Social Development is providing free Zumba classes on the Festival Grounds under the yellow and white tent commencing on Wednesday, May 30 until Friday, June 1, from 5:15p.m. to 6:30p.m.
These classes are open to the community and there will be special prizes. Moreover, before each Zumba class officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Development will conduct brief educational sessions on nutrition and exercise.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavours to provide leadership that promotes health, social well-being and a safe environment.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News