On Thursday 2nd November, 2023, the Anguilla Community College at Long Path came alive with activity, as the Health Promotion Unit in collaboration with the Dietary Unit of the Health Authority of Anguilla facilitated a full-day Workshop entitled, Food as Medicine sponsored by Nagico Insurance.
This was an initiative directed towards patients with Chronic Diseases (namely, Hypertension, Diabetes, and heart disease) in order to better assist them in the proper management of their condition. Participants were from clients/patients registered at all three government polyclinics, Western, Central and Welches and an open invitation also enabled a limited number of staff from the Health Authority of Anguilla to attend.
This workshop was one with a difference, where live food preparations mainly plant based menus were demonstrated. These included lentil salad, lentil tofu (made from the scratch) cabbage rolls, hummus (a plant based dish made from peas and a good source of protein), natural avocado mayo (a great healthy substitute for mayonnaise) and chia watermelon pudding (a low calorie dessert loaded with vitamins and omega fatty acids).
Along with the demonstrations participants were informed about the nutritional values of these alternative recipes introduced. All participants were given the recipes in a booklet format so they could also try them at home with family and friends.
The premise was based on providing a hands on approach to food preparation where myths could be dispelled, knowledge gained and confidence developed while introducing healthy foods and their preparation in an informal and supportive environment.
The sessions were broken down into two segments – morning and afternoon with a short break for a well-balanced, catered lunch.
The workshop was a coordinated exercise that was co-facilitated by the Senior Health Educator, Mrs. Jennifer Gumbs and her colleague Ms. Aba Kamau (Health Educator) together with the Nutrition and Dietetics team, Mrs. Vernice Battick (Nutritionist and Director of Support Services) and Ms. Robertha Campbell (Nutritionist/Dietician).
The feedback from the attendees was full of excitement and positive reviews. The workshop was seen as a productive time spent towards optimal health outcomes for the community.
The organizers wish to thank all the stakeholders – Nagico Insurance for the generous sponsorship donation and the Anguilla Community College for the use of their premises free of cost – for their role in making the event a success.
“As facilitators we look forward to more opportunities to have similar events to enable the people of Anguilla to increase control, and to improve their health,” they said.
