Maintaining healthy eating with NCDs after Hurricane Melissa
Published:Wednesday | January 28, 2026 | 12:05 AM
Whether coping with prolonged power outages following Hurricane Melissa or trying to maintain healthy routines during periods of disruption, Jamaicans living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) can still protect their health with the right nutritional strategies. Health authorities continue to stress that disasters and emergencies do not pause chronic illnesses, and poor management during these periods can have serious consequences.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has repeatedly underscored that NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease remain Jamaica’s leading causes of illness and death. According to the Ministry, disruptions to routine care, medication access, and healthy eating during emergencies significantly increase the risk of complications and hospitalisation.
Shauna Franklin, dietetics assistant at the Tony Thwaites Wing of the University Hospital of the West Indies, says culturally grounded nutrition choices can help Jamaicans with NCDs remain stable, even under challenging conditions.
Hurricane Melissa’s impact was felt most acutely in western Jamaica, where many households continue to face limited refrigeration, inconsistent food supplies, and rising food costs.
“There are practical ways individuals with NCDs can reduce the impact of Hurricane Melissa and still maintain healthy eating patterns,” Franklin explained.
Franklin recommends structuring meals around complex carbohydrates and fibre, particularly for individuals who are pre-diabetic, diabetic, or hypertensive.
“We normally recommend a balance of complex and simple carbohydrates,” she said. “Complex carbohydrates digest more slowly, are higher in fibre, and help keep blood sugar levels stable while supporting weight control,” she said.
Franklin encouraged the continued use of traditional Jamaican staples such as yellow yam, green bananas, and breadfruit, paired with vegetables like callaloo or cabbage, and lean proteins including fish, peas, or beans.
“These foods generally have low to moderate glycaemic index values, which help prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar. Cooking methods also matter —baking, steaming, or boiling is preferable to frying,” Franklin noted.
NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES
With some communities still without electricity, Franklin advised focusing on non-perishable but nutrient-dense foods.
“Low-sodium canned beans or tuna, whole-grain crackers or brown rice cakes, unsalted nuts and nut butters, dried or canned fruit in juice, and shelf-stable milk or protein shakes are all useful options,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of balanced combinations, even in emergency settings.
“Pairing carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats, such as peanut butter on whole-wheat crackers or tuna mixed with beans, helps slow glucose absorption and prevent blood sugar spikes,” Franklin said.
For people managing diabetes, she stressed the importance of keeping fast-acting glucose sources available.
“Items like fresh juice, honey packets, or hard candy can help treat hypoglycaemia. Rinsing canned foods can also reduce sodium intake, which is important for blood pressure control,” she said.
Franklin emphasised that nutrition alone is not enough, medication adherence and regular monitoring remain essential, even during emergencies.
“Medications must be taken at the prescribed times. If prescriptions run out, people should contact their clinic or hospital as soon as possible rather than relying on home remedies,” she said.
She added that hydration is critical.
“Choose water over sugary drinks, keep natural juices lightly sweetened and consumed in moderation, and remember that maintaining your health does not have to be complicated,” Franklin said.
CONSISTENT SELF-MANAGEMENT
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has warned that emergencies and natural disasters often worsen outcomes for people living with NCDs, particularly when access to healthy food, medications, and health services is disrupted. PAHO has noted that poorly managed NCDs during crises contribute to increased hospital admissions, complications, and preventable deaths across the Caribbean.
At the national level, Hugh Reid, managing director of JN Life Insurance, stressed that the health and economic burden of NCDs makes consistent self-management critical, especially during stressful periods.
“Jamaicans must closely monitor their health because of the impact of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension on our population,” Reid said.
He referenced MOHW studies indicating that medical costs associated with cardiovascular disease and diabetes could reach as high as J$29.8 billion over the next 15 years.
“The financial impact of NCDs can easily erase a person’s life savings,” Reid warned.
He added that the prevalence of chronic illness in Jamaica heightens the urgency of prevention.
“One in three Jamaicans is hypertensive, one in eight is diabetic, and about one-third of the population will be diagnosed with a chronic illness. Prevention, monitoring, and financial planning, including critical illness insurance, remain essential. Prevention will always be better than cure,” Reid said.
As climate-related disruptions become more frequent, both MOHW and PAHO continue to emphasise the importance of integrating NCD management into disaster preparedness plans. For individuals and families, this means planning ahead, nutritionally, medically, and financially.
Eating well during emergencies is not about perfection. It is about informed choices, consistency, and resilience, principles that can help Jamaicans living with NCDs protect their health long after the storm has passed.
“We encourage people to consistently monitor their health and take steps to minimise the cost of treatment, including investing in critical illness insurance plans. Prevention remains better than cure,” Reid said.
MOHW Preparedness Checklist for Jamaicans Living with NCDs
As recommended by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), individuals living with non-communicable diseases should prepare for emergencies well in advance. The following checklist can help reduce health risks during disasters and periods of disruption:
Before a Disaster:
• Keep at least a 7 to 14 days supply of medications, including insulin, blood pressure tablets, and inhalers.
• Store copies of prescriptions, medical records, and clinic contact numbers in a waterproof bag.
• Identify the nearest health facility and an alternative location if your usual clinic becomes inaccessible.
• Stock non-perishable, nutrient-dense foods suitable for NCD management, such as low-sodium canned foods, whole grains, nuts, and shelf-stable milk.
• Keep a blood pressure monitor or glucometer, with extra batteries if required.
• Plan for electricity-dependent medical devices and identify where backup power may be available.
• Share your emergency plan with a family member, neighbour, or caregiver.
During a Disaster
• Take medications exactly as prescribed, even if daily routines are disrupted.
• Stay hydrated with water, avoiding excess sugary or salty drinks.
• Monitor blood sugar or blood pressure as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Eat balanced meals using available foods, combine carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats.
• Seek medical attention early if symptoms worsen.
After the Disaster
• Contact your health centre or clinic if medications were lost or damaged.
• Restock supplies as soon as possible and replace spoiled food and medications.
• Continue monitoring your condition and report any unusual symptoms.
• Reach out to community health aides, churches, or local organisations if assistance is needed.
Remember:
Preparedness is part of disease management. Emergencies should never interrupt care for chronic illnesses.