Montserrat holds health fair
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| Published on Saturday, May 26, 2007 |
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By Cathy Buffonge
ST JOHN’S, Montserrat: The Ministry of Health here recently held a one day Health Fair, with the theme “Healthy Living, Quality Life”. Spearheaded by the multisectoral Health Promotion Team, the Fair took place at the St John’s Clinic complex and attracted hundreds visitors, both adults and school children, who were bused in from the various schools.
The purpose of the Fair was to raise people’s awareness of health issues and to encourage healthier lifestyles, leading to an improved quality of life, as well as to highlight the work of the health sector. It was also intended to gain an updated picture of the nutritional and health status of the population, as well as gaining feedback on how people feel about the health services.
The Seventh Day Adventist church presented two treadmill exercise machines to the health and community services departments, and these generous gifts were formally handed over at the opening ceremony, while one was available for people to try out during the Fair.
There was a wealth of information on display covering a host of health topics. These included diabetes, nutrition and chronic disease, cancer prevention and early detection (prostate, breast, colon and cervix) and HIV/AIDS. There was information on dental health, stress management, environmental health, foot care, occupational therapy, first aid, fire safety, community nursing services and nursing as a career. Films on a variety of health topics were also shown.
Health screening at the various booths included blood pressure and blood sugar checks, weight, height and body measurements, as well as dental checks, breast examination, and examination for prostate disease. A mini-survey was carried out to glean people’s opinion of the health service, as well as a suggestion box.
Departments other than health were well represented with Agriculture putting on a backyard garden display. Voluntary groups included the Montserrat Diabetes Association, the Red Cross first aiders and HIV peer educators. In the healthy eating section the Seventh Day Adventist church mounted a display of vegetarian dishes, while the Montserrat Secondary School put on a display of healthy dishes, and the visiting public enjoyed samples of both.
Practical activities included relaxation sessions for mental health, first aid demonstrations, an exercise session, foot care and hand washing technique. In the HIV section condom demonstrations were done and a “mascot” or costumed character representing a condom was launched. X-rays were explained with the use of a skeleton, while complementary medicine was represented with head and shoulder massage being done by a private sector practitioner.
Feedback on the Fair was positive, with an overwhelming response to many of the heath screening activities. “It was a great success, and everyone seemed to enjoy working together and to realize the importance of what they were doing”, was one comment. | | | | Reads : 356 | | | |
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