Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Cornelius de Weever, is encouraging public participation in the 3rd Lion’s Club Annual Health and Wellness Fair in the Festival Village on Pond Island March 26.
The Minister is encouraging the entire community to adopt healthier lifestyle practices in order to minimize risks associated with non-communicable diseases. Tobacco smoking for example remains the most avoidable cancer risk.
Chronic diseases which include diabetes (sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity and overweight, and certain heart problems, are diseases of long duration and, generally, slow progression which can be prevented.
Having a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables can reduce risk of developing illnesses.
The Minister pointed out that efforts should be made to ensure that children are given the right blend of foods. Reducing salty snacks and sugar filled juices and other products can improve a child’s health for the long-term. Physical activity along with eating healthy can go a long way in living and enjoying life longer.
The fair will start at 10.00am. Various sections of the Ministry VSA will be partaking in the fair, such as the vaccination unit for children, dental unit and nutritional health.
"The health and wellness fair offers the attendees an opportunity to get information and see what healthy products are available on the island. If everybody lives a healthy lifestyle, it will cut down on overall national medical expenses which could then be invested in healthy lifestyle areas.
"Living healthy means a better quality of life for every individual and family. Everybody holds the key to their own health," Hon. Minister of Public Health Cornelius de Weever told the Department of Communications (DCOMM) on Thursday.