Caribbean Heads of Government, in response to the heavy burden of non-communicable diseases on the citizens of the region, issued the Port of Spain declaration in September 2007, “Uniting to stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases”, and declared that the second Saturday in September should be celebrated each year as Caribbean Wellness Day. The observance is mainly to increase awareness and control of the incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and others.
For the past five years, School Health Services in the Department of Education has organized a Healthy School Day in celebration of Caribbean Wellness Day. On that day, all students and staff of the primary schools (government and private), Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School (ALHCS) and some pre-schools gathered in the school yard and participated in exercises for about 15 to 20 minutes. Fitness trainers conducted the exercise sessions in some of the schools.
The promotion of healthy lifestyle was emphasized throughout the day. Everyone was encouraged to eat healthy meals especially fresh local fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water and exercise everyday. Special sessions on Healthy Eating were organized at most of the schools to increase the practice of eating healthy.
School Health Nurses take this opportunity to thank the students, school staff, parents, Health Educators, fitness trainers, MPSS staff, TRC staff, Education Officers and all those who assisted in making this day a success.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
