Caribbean Wellness Day ? Our Neighborhood, Our Health

September 7, 2022 3:30 am

Community Invited to Free Public Health Panel Discussion

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) ? Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD) will be observed across the region on Saturday, to promote good health and well-being of the whole of society, the Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) said.

The overall theme is ?Our Planet, Our Health," and the sub-theme for CWD 2022 is ?Our Neighborhood, Our Health.? The latter was chosen because neighborhoods are where people live, work, and socialize, and are key to health promotion.

CPS is organizing a free public health panel discussion on Friday, September 9 at the Motorworld Group Cole Bay location from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. No formal dress code is required.

The public is invited to attend the public health panel discussion where a number of local public health professionals will increase awareness and address concerns related to Non-Communicable Diseases prevalent in Sint Maarten and within the region such as Obesity, Hypertension, Diabetes and Mental Health to name a few.

The panel will also address what is being done in our communities such as projects and services offered and what can be done to improve the health and well-being of our island by bridging the gap between our communities and health.

CPS is calling on all citizens to review their eating habits and behaviors to see what can be changed to prevent chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes that lead to heart attacks, strokes, and premature death.

Many cancers are attributable to lifestyles acquired while we mature from youngsters to the aged (adulthood). Changes made to poor dietary practices and the lack of activity such as exercise can greatly improve health outcomes and overall wellness.

CPS encourages members of the community to consult with their family physician or other health related organizations to learn more about healthy lifestyles and take action to improve the overall wellness and to participate and get involved in promoting health and wellness in their neighborhoods.

The objective for CWD 2022 is: promote health and well-being in neighborhoods, through public policies that improve the environment and the conditions in which people live.

The CARICOM Heads of Summit on Chronic Diseases in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, September 2007, established Caribbean Wellness Day.

Caribbean Wellness Day is observed every year on the second Saturday of September. Join CPS in safeguarding our health and well-being, collectively taking a responsible role, and making an informed decision.

Source: sintmaartengov.org