Locals encouraged to get on the fast track of Healthy Living
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Basseterre, St. Kitts, September 09, 2011 (SKNIS): Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis are being encouraged to get on the fast-track of healthy lifestyles by taking part in the activities taking place in commemoration of Caribbean Wellness Day.
While Caribbean Wellness Day took place on Saturday, September 10, activities will run until Saturday, September 17. They will be carried out under the theme: “Love that Body, From Local to Global.”
Coordinator for Non Communicable Disease (NCD) at the Ministry of Health Petrunella Edwards informed the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service that the activities are designed to encourage individuals to lead healthier lifestyles including improving one’s diet and undertaking physical activity. Organizations including community and church-affiliated groups can also take the initiative to organize events pertaining to healthy eating and fitness.
Local Caribbean Wellness Activities include the Caribbean Wellness Day Message by Minister responsible for Health Honourable Marcella Liburd which took place on Saturday, September 10, along with Church Health Ministry encouraging congregations to engage in health promoting activities. On Sunday, September 11 Church Health Ministry continued and yesterday Monday was National Fruit Day when residents were encouraged to enjoy snacks of fruit at work and school.
Tuesday and Wednesday is the Multi-Sectoral Consultation which has the objective of developing a National Action Plan to deal with the challenges brought about by NCDs. Kittitians and Nevisians are encouraged to take advantage of the various screenings that will take place on Thursday during the National Health Testing Day at Independence Square starting at 9:00 a.m. Screenings include those for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and HIV. The final event takes place the day after National Hero’s Day on Saturday when Health will partner with the Sports Department and the Independence Committee in the Independence Fun Run starting at 10:00 a.m. Further information pertaining to the Caribbean Wellness Activities can be obtained by calling 467-1237.