Health trends

Doctors in the boardroom launched

In an effort to educate the public about the risks of cardiovascular disease which is the leading killer of Jamaicans, Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation (HICF) officially launched its workplace wellness programme 'Doctors in the Boardroom' on August 23. The first session took place at the J Wray and Nephew headquarters on Spanish Town Road.

Doctors in the Boardroom was created with the knowledge that workplace wellness programmes worldwide enhance employers' bottom line as they increase productivity and lower medical costs, while simultaneously encouraging staff members to live a healthier lifestyle.

Each session takes the format of a mini-lecture delivered by highly revered, Heart Institute of the Caribbean (HIC) physicians and specialists, including Power 106 health contributor, Dr Dainia Baugh.

"We have a pressing need to inform that there is an epidemic of heart disease and to provide useful tools to combat it," explained Dr Baugh. "If the patient is ill, treat the patient; if the community is ill, treat the community."

Geared towards enlightening Jamaicans about the risk factors and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, there is also an emphasis on wellness, the elimination of detrimental habits - for example a high-fat diet, and the encourage-ment of exercise in order to combat cardiovascular diseases.

Once the lecture is concluded, an interactive question-and-answer session follows, during which heart-health screenings are given to attendees.

"Doctors in the Boardroom is suitable for all corporate entities in Jamaica. On all levels, it provides the necessary information and tools to change lifestyle habits and combat cardiovascular diseases while increasing work productivity," explained HICF executive director, Danielle Wilson.

Companies such as LIME, Facey Commodity, Jamaica Broilers Group, Jamaica Observer, National Commercial Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, Capital and Credit Group, and Wisynco have also agreed to have this programme delivered to their employees.

"The Doctors in the Boardroom information session was like a reality check for the persons who attended." said Dayton Robinson, human resourse manager of Employee Engagement at J. Wray and Nephew. "The most valuable lesson that many of us learnt was that cardiovascular diseases can be controlled.

Source: Heart Institute of the Caribbean Foundation