As part of the National Strategic Health Plan to improve the physical activity level of the general population, the Nutrition and Health Promotion Department of the Health Authority of Anguilla has developed a health and wellness fitness program. This initiative is a prevention strategy geared towards encouraging the general public to adopt healthy lifestyles practices which include becoming more physically active. The long term goal of this programme is to reduce the incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases and also to prevent the complications of these diseases. These diseases which include diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers are currently on the rise in Anguilla. With the increasing cost of hospitalization, treating complications, loss of productive capacity and the impact on quality of life, more emphasis must be placed on the essential role of nutrition and physical activity in the effective management of these diseases.
Consequently, since June 2012, the Department has been conducting two monthly exercise sessions on the James Ronald Webster Park on the first and third Friday of each month. Two physical fitness instructors, Mr. Evan Anderson and Mr. Valentiono Mucket have committed their time and expertise free of charge to facilitate these monthly sessions. The number of persons who has been attending these sessions continues to grow monthly as a result of the promotion of these sessions by LIME and the Government Internet network.
In an effort to expand and strengthen the Health and Wellness Fitness Program, The Nutrition and Health Promotion Department has launched its first 150lbs Weight Loss Challenge. The aim of this challenge is to encourage the participants to maintain a healthy weight which will result in improved quality of life and the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases. This Competition commenced on May 8th and culminates on 31st July 2013. Twenty registered participants are enthusiastically competing in this challenge. Participants were given dietary advice and encouraged to exercise daily in addition to participating in the exercise sessions offered. Ongoing support from the two fitness instructors, nutritionists and Internist Dr. Gunito, is available to all participants during the competition. At the end of the competition, the Department is hoping to see a combined weight loss of 150lbs, the person with the highest percentage weight loss will be considered the overall winner.
The winner and other participants of this competition will be given prizes sponsored by the Health Authority along with various business organizations, during the finale on the 31st July 2013. You can follow how the competition is progressing by logging on to our Face Book page Nutrition and Health Promotion Department Anguilla. Persons interested in registering for the next 150lbs Weight Loss Challenge can do so at Primary Health Care Department 497 3763/2540.
Contributed by the Coordinator Nutrition and Health Promotion
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
