Mrs. Keiyia Jackson-George, Fitness Instructor with Cutting Edge Gym is pictured providing an exercise demonstration as part of the Caribbean Wellness Day activities in the fourth district. She is assisted by Ms. Angela Herbert. Photo Credit: Health Promotion Unit.

 “We tried to reach as many communities as possible and we are pleased to have had community participation from eight out of nine districts, including the addition of districts four and six who are new to the programme,” said Ms. Ivy George, Coordinator of Health Promotion Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

Under the theme “Love that Body”, community oriented events were organised throughout the participating districts. These included health educational sessions, exercise demonstrations, men’s basketball games, health walks and screenings.

Ms. George commended each community and district health and wellness committee for taking ownership of their events and noted that each district planned their own events for Caribbean Wellness Day and added their distinct flavour to it.

Highlights included Sea Cows Bay, where students at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School were encouraged to make healthier drink choices with a “Drink Your Fruit and Vegetables Day” organised by the district three health and wellness committee.

In East End and Long Look, the men in the community were targeted for health education sessions. On the sister islands, the Jost Van Dyke health and wellness committee reported 30 persons participating in its health walk and launch of its weight reduction program. In Anegada, 12 persons also participated in a health walk which will continue on a monthly basis.

Caribbean Wellness Day is observed annually on the second Saturday in September to showcase national and community oriented activities to promote healthy living and encourage community members to develop healthy lifestyle practices.