BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – RESIDENTS of the Caribbean are being urged to make their health a priority, as governments gear up for the annual Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD).
The local Ministry of Health has planned several activities in acknowledgment of the initiative, which is a regional response to the spread of chronic non-communicable diseases.
Caribbean Heads of Government signed the Port-of-Spain Declaration in 2007, announcing that the second Saturday in September would be celebrated as CWD from 2008 onwards.
This year, CWD will be celebrated on Saturday, September 12. Speaking to SKNVibes, Ministry of Health Officer Clifford Griffin outlined what the public could expect during the week.
Thursday, September 10 is designated Fruit Day, and persons are encouraged to take at least one fruit to school and work. There will be a Wellness Day Fair on the following day at Independence Square.
“During the fair, there will be testing for HIV/AIDS, depression and anxiety, cholesterol, blood sugar, and many other conditions. The Ministry will also conduct presentations and counselling on nutrition. We have hired consultants to come and perform different types of exercises so persons can learn additional ways to keep fit,” Griffin divulged.
The general public is invited to attend a Wellness Walk on Saturday morning beginning from Sprat Net restaurant in Old Road to the old Treasury Building in Basseterre. According to Griffin, the walk is part of the Ministry’s push for persons to exercise daily.
“If we educate persons on the benefits of proper nutrition and regular exercise, that will reduce the incidences of chronic non-communicable diseases,” said the Health Officer. “All the events we have planned will turn the spotlight on the epidemic and promote healthy lifestyles and behaviours through special interventions.”
The prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases is a major health issue within the Federation. Statistics obtained from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Martin indicated that 15 to 30 percent of the adult population is diabetic, while a similarly high 35 percent has been diagnosed with hypertension.
In addition, an estimated 45 percent of the population suffers from obesity.
