Caribbean Wellness Day was declared in 2007 by CARICOM Heads of Government to combat non-communicable diseases. In Anguilla, Caribbean Wellness Day 2013 was observed under the theme “Love that Body” over three days starting from September 12th 2013 to September 14th 2013. On Thursday, September 12th a MASA sponsored Health Fair and Symposium was held at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium from 10:00am to 2:30 pm. One hundred and sixty six (166) persons registered for various health checks including blood glucose, blood pressure, body fat percentages, body mass index, cholesterol, HIV/AIDS, pap smear, and prostate. The first 10 persons who arrived received free pedometers.Also available at the Health Fair & Symposium were free samples of healthy snacks and drinksincluding recipes, Do-it-yourself natural hair and skin care information, food safety tips anddeep tissue massages. .
On Friday, The Zone programme on Radio Anguilla hosted by Mr. Ivor Hodge with guest Dr. Patvin Adams discussed the topic of Male Impotence. Dr. Adams enthusiastically addressed the topic. He encouraged males to be vigilant and visit their doctor early for their health problems. He also pleaded with males to take better care of their overall health for example, taking part in regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. Due the great feedback from the general public a follow up programme with a new selected panel took place on Friday 27th September, 2013 at 9.00am.
Finally, on Saturday September 14th, The Health Authority of Anguilla sponsored Breakfast walk was held. Participants began assembling at the Primary Health Care Building before 5am. The first ten (10) persons to arrive received free pedometers. Over the next few hours, over 60 persons walked from the Primary Health Care Building to the Lime Tower on the Jeremiah Gumbs Highway and back. Upon arrival, walkers were greeted with bottles of water and a scrumptious breakfast including tuna, salt fish, whole wheat Johnny cakes, white flour Johnny cakes (for persons with wheat intolerance) boiled eggs, oranges and bush tea.
The Health Promotion Unit and the Caribbean Wellness Day committee would like to thank the following organizations in making these activities successful; Department of Agriculture, Environmental Health Department, Health Authority of Anguilla, The Anguillian Newspaper, Ifitness Anguilla, Medical Air Services Association (MASA), School Health, Radio Anguilla, Upbeat Radio, KlassFM, KoolFM, New Beginning Radio, Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School, Volunteers and any others who may have assisted in these activities.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
