BROADCASTS.com

Published: Aug. 2, 2023, 1:26 p.m.

b'

Caribbean Wellness Day is held annually in all CARICOM countries, on the second Saturday of September. This event is geared towards increasing awareness and promoting activities to address Non-Communicable Diseases including mental health. The theme for Caribbean Wellness Day is, \\u201cPower Through Collective Action\\u201d, which spans the period 2020 to 2024.

\\n\\n

\\xa0

\\n\\n

In keeping with this theme, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will collaborate with partners throughout the month of August and early September to undertake several precursor activities building up to Caribbean Wellness Day which will be observed on September 9th, 2023. Please take note of this important date.

\\n\\n

\\n\\n

These precursor activities will complement many of the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Health to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation in accordance with its mandate to improve health for all. Many activities hosted by partnering agencies will contribute to the \\u201cSt. Lucia Moves\\u201d initiative which encourages increase in age-appropriate physical activity across the island and in workplaces. This is in keeping with regional and global health strategies to reduce and to manage non-communicable diseases through exercise.

\\n\\n

\\n\\n

Persons should take advantage of the many health screening programmes that are being conducted at health facilities and through community and workplace outreach activities. This will contribute to the \\u201cKnow Your Numbers\\u201d initiative where all Saint Lucians are encouraged to know their blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and cholesterol level, among others. Knowing these numbers will allow for the early detection and management of chronic health conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which can lead to premature death.\\xa0

\\n\\n

\\n\\n

There will also be activities that speaks to our nutrition and mental health. For us to succeed as a nation in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, we must contribute in whatever way we can to make this a reality. As a result, the Ministry of Health is calling on all public and private sector agencies, faith-based organization and non-profit organizations to be involved in the many activities leading up to Caribbean Wellness Day.\\xa0

\\n\\n

\\n\\n

These activities will include healthy competitions and fun filled and relaxation moments. The precursor activities will commence with a Bike Ride on August 1st, Emancipation Day, which will be hosted by Move2Live of the St. Lucia Mission of Seventh Day Adventists. On the August 11th, the Vieux Fort Wellness Centre will host a workplace wellness health screening session for our Police Officers and Firemen in the south of the island. The technical team at the Ministry of Health will use the various media houses and social media platforms to inform you of the many more activities planned by our partners for August and early September.

\\n\\n

\\n\\n

The Ministry of Health encourages everyone to engage in healthy lifestyle like being physically active, engage in healthy eating, to quit smoking if you do, to reduce your alcohol consumption to recommended safe levels, to get annual checks and to improve your relationship with family and friends.

\\n\\n

\\xa0Let us embrace a culture that values and supports the holistic well-being of every citizen, for a healthier, happier, and more prosperous Saint Lucia.

\\n\\n

'