On Friday, September 25th, scores of people in Anguilla made their way to the Webster Park, where they stood in long queues to patiently await their turn for free medical checks and testing in the local Health Fair. This is an annual event — now in its 10th year — conducted under the banner of Caribbean Wellness Day.
This year’s Fair ran from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and during this period persons could check any of the following: blood pressure, blood sugar, prostate, cholesterol, dental health, mental health, body mass index (bmi), physiotherapy and foot care. Mammograms and pap-smears were also offered. There was even a booth where persons could receive a total body massage.
One admirable feature of the Fair was that a large number of men were in line for prostate checks. This, and other facets of attention such as mammograms, pap-smears and cholesterol checks, would be done at the Princess Alexandra hospital when individuals would be eventually called.
However, standing in line afforded one the opportunity to receive a coupon for such checks. So many men turned up for prostate checks, that by 12:00 noon all coupons had run out, and those needing that attention were required to simply register their information with the attendants to be subsequently contacted.
Senior Health Educator & Chairperson of the Caribbean Wellness Day Committee, Mrs. Jennifer Gumbs, was extremely satisfied with the outcome and gave her impressions of the Fair: “I am really overwhelmed with the Fair today. I was shocked to see so many men turning out especially for prostate checks. It is good to see men so concerned about their health. The crowd is massive today, and I am so pleased.”
Mrs. Gumbs made that observation about the men because typically men — as opposed to women — have the tendency to shy away from health issues. However, it is noticeable that the tide is turning and men are becoming more aware of their quality of health.
When asked how she would compare last year’s turn out with this year’s, Mrs. Gumbs responded: “Well, there is no comparison. The volume of the attendance this year is quite significant. One of the things we mentioned in a recent radio interview is that we realise that times are hard and we asked that the public come out to check their health. Today, we can see that they really listened and responded.”
Also on hand was Premier Ellis Webster, who is the Minister of Health. He observed: “It is indeed good to see the people come out for their health checks. I wish to compliment the Health Authority staff and volunteers for doing this. Preventative health care is very important. It is better than finding a cure. In Anguilla, there are a lot of chronic non-communicable diseases which lead to such ailments as kidney failure, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and prostate cancer. We want to make sure our people get checked out, and I am happy to see the large turn out today.”
Mrs. Gumbs extended a big thank you to the many sponsors and contributors, including: Medical Air Services Association (MASA); Anguilla Electricity Company Limited (ANGLEC); Anguilla Cancer Society; National Caribbean Insurance; The Health Promotion Unit; Anguilla Nurses Association; The Anguilla Craft Group; Greig’s Trucking and Heavy Equipment; FLOW; CC Insurance Agency Limited; Health Authority of Anguilla; Ministry of Health; Hamaz Fitness and Wilmer’s Barber Shop.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
