BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PERSONS flocked to Independence Square this afternoon (Sept. 11) to receive free health check-ups as part of the Ministry of Health’s Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD) Fair.
Cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose level and HIV/AIDS were some of the tests being offered, as well as height/weight checks and exams for depression and anxiety. Additionally, the “Body Image” health group established a stall to dispense tips on exercise and physical health.
Caribbean Heads of Government signed the Port-of-Spain Declaration in 2007, mandating that the second Saturday every September would be celebrated as CWD from 2008 onwards.
This year, Caribbean Wellness Day is slated for Saturday, September 12. Several events have been held in St. Kitts in honour of the occasion.
“Yesterday (Sept. 10) was Fruit Day, where the Ministry asked persons to bring at least one fruit to school and work,” said Clifford Griffin, an Officer in the Ministry of Health. “There will be a Wellness Walk from Sprat Net restaurant in Old Road to the old Treasury Building in Basseterre tomorrow morning. And, of course, we have our Wellness Fair set up here.”
According to Griffin, the objective of CWD is to reduce the incidences of chronic non-communicable diseases throughout the region. He stressed that this could only be done through education about the benefits of proper nutrition and regular exercise.
SKNVibes contacted Chief Medical Officer Patrick Martin, who highlighted that chronic non-communicable diseases are a “major health issue” in St. Kitts-Nevis.
“An estimated 45 percent of the population is obese. Studies have shown that the average Kittitian consumes about 2 900 calories daily. Most men and women only need between 2 200 to 2 300,” he noted.
“The link between obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases is important because obese persons are more susceptible to these types of diseases. Fifteen to 30 percent of the adult population is diabetic, while 35 percent has been diagnosed with hypertension. Once persons take more care with their diet and exercise, we should see a reduction in theses numbers,” said the CMO.
The Wellness Fair is expected to conclude today at 6 p.m.
