Friday, June 13, 2014 - Madam Speaker, as our Territory has grown and progressed over the years one facet of our development that remains constant is the need to promote and protect the health and wellbeing of our people. There is much to be said on the topic of healthy living, and through various annual observances we are able to highlight and bring attention to certain important messages from time to time.
Madam Speaker, we use these occasions to remind our community about the importance of healthy habits such as eating right, getting enough sleep and exercise, reducing stress, eliminating the use of harmful substances, and getting regular health checkups. Caring for our bodies brings obvious benefits in terms of increasing physical vitality and reducing the risks and impacts of chronic diseases. But just as it requires effort to build and maintain the physical health, we all must pay attention to maintaining mental, emotional stability and wellbeing.
Madam Speaker, another successful observance of Mental Health Month took place in May of this year, and at this time I would like to publicly acknowledge the efforts of the Community Mental Health Department of the BVI Health Services Authority, who spearheaded the related activities. Community Mental Health has been operating in our Territory for many years, and has continued its outreach programmes. Events such as The Amazing Race have been staged to encourage persons to participate in life to the fullest extent possible, and to seek out help when it is needed to cope with life’s challenges and stresses.
Mental Health remains an integral part of our overall health as the mind and body are intricately connected. I therefore encourage everyone listening to take steps to live more mindfully, and pay attention to you and your loved ones’ emotional and psychological well-being throughout the year. We must also do all that we can to address the needs of persons suffering from mental illnesses or disorders.
Madam speaker, promoting and safeguarding ‘whole person’ health can only lead to a more vibrant society, greater achievement by our children, a more productive economy, an enhanced quality of life, and families that are better able to overcome adversity while remaining intact, grounded, and balanced.
Madam Speaker, we must do all that we can to look after our patients that have mental illnesses. I thank you Madam Speaker.
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