Belmopan, September 29, 2014.
Annually, Belize along with the Caribbean region celebrates Caribbean Wellness Day where we engage in various activities to reinforce health messages that promote wellness. These messages include physical activity, healthy eating and elimination of tobacco use in order to reduce the risk factors associated with chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and obesity. Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD), established by the CARICOM Heads of Government, commemorates their landmark Summit held on September 15, 2007 in Port of Spain, Trinidad to discuss the social and economic burden of CNCDs on the people of the region.
This year, the slogan for the week was “The heart of a productive workforce is a healthy workforce”. This slogan is in keeping with the focus for 2014: Adults, Preserving the Workforce for National and Regional Development” under the overall theme “Love That Body”. CWD is celebrated on the second Saturday in September.
However, due to our national celebrations, we are commemorating Caribbean Wellness Week from the 28th September to the 3rd October, with Wellness Day on the 29th September, 2014.
In this regard, the Ministry of Health is planning a Workers’ Fair in all districts during various days of Wellness Week for the general workforce, including public officers and employees of the various local businesses and workplaces. Fairs will include public presentations on the prevention and management of diabetes, cancer, heart disease and obesity as well as fun activities where group and individual prizes can be won. Health checks, including blood pressure, blood sugar and HIV tests; easy physical activity demonstrations, and nutrition counseling will be offered.
Each fair will include a “Healthy Grilling” cooking competition for employee groups. A prize of $700.00 and a certificate will be given to the winning team. The winning recipes will also be included in our Nutrition Cookbook.
Organizations, agencies and workplaces are encouraged to have wellness activities for their workers. Some ideas include a walk-to-work day, healthy snacks, sporting competitions, cook-outs, picnics, health checks and health education sessions.
More information on the health fairs, cooking competition, wellness presentations and ideas for workplaces can be obtained from the HECOPAB officers located within the hospital compounds.
The Ministry of Health encourages everyone to take our health messages seriously by practicing healthy living in order to reduce the current trend of chronic noncommunicable diseases.
