St Thomas health fair a big success

Julette Bryan, Gleaner Writer

SPRINGFIELD, St. Thomas: Recognising the importance of health and wellness among members of the population, the National Heath Fund (NHF) last Saturday provided a variety of health tests and other goodies to residents of St Thomas.

'I love to eat healthy, I love to exercise' was the theme of the NHF's health fair. The Social Development Commission sports complex playing field came alive as citizens from all sections of the parish converged on the grounds to participate in the day's activities. Patrons, employees and supporters were all decked out in their NHF's T-shirts proudly declaring the theme for the day.

While media personality Jenny Jenny kept the crowd of young and old entertained, other patrons visited the more than 30 booths, where they got access to a variety of free examinations and health checks - all sponsored by the NHF.

Private and public-sector organisations were out in their numbers to support the NHF.

Rosemarie Lee, NHF's public information manager, told The Gleaner that the day was to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle.

physical activity is for all

She noted that the NHF wanted people to realise that physical activity was not just for the young, but also for the elderly as a lot of older people were of the view that they were too old to exercise.

She advised that as long as they checked with their doctor before they begin an exercise programme, they should be fine.

The public information manager said she was pleased with the overwhelming support of the residents of St Thomas.

The day's activities catered to the young and the young at heart. The children played in bounceabout, hula hoops, skipping ropes and kick and score football game. Residents streamed in the venue as word spread about the health fair.

Manager of the Morant Bay branch of the NHF, Michael Wallace, in making his presentation to the attendants, said he was pleased with the way the people of St Thomas had responded. In his presentation on diabetes, he cited that there were over 51,000 to 81,000 persons living with diabetes, but were unaware of their status.

He encouraged diabetics to eat right, exercise and take their medications as prescribed. Additionally, he encouraged those who had not yet done so to get tested and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Sixteen-year-old Olando Wright said in addition to winning the crackers-eating competition, and getting a basket full of goodies, he was getting a lot of information on how to prevent lifestyle diseases and how to eat healthy.

"I am going to be living a healthier life as of today. I am going to eat right and exercise," said Wright.

Retiree Rosetta Mclean of Church Corner in the parish, said she was happy that she attended the health fair. She reported that her cholesterol level was checked, and she was advised that it was very high.

Member of parliament for Eastern St Thomas, Dr Fenton Ferguson, congratulated NHF Managing Director Hugh Lawson and his team for taking the fair to the parish. Ferguson encouraged the citizens to participate in the day's activities. "The health of the nation is very important to production, development and growth," he said.

The activities continued well into afternoon with many giveaways from the supporting organisations and ended with a concert later in the evening.