Jamaica moves for health this week
WORLD HEALTH Day will signify the day Jamaica moves away from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as the Ministry of Health launches ‘Jamaica Moves’ at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.
Jamaica Moves is a coordinated effort by the Ministry of Health to stem the growing NCD problem in the country.
The event, which is expected to attract a plethora of individuals, hopes to encourage Jamaicans to take their lives into their own hands in order to reduce their risk of developing these lifestyle diseases.
According to the Ministry of Health, NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease and certain cancers account for 79 per cent of the deaths in the island – a rate that continues to increase.
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The Jamaica Moves launch event is the first in a year-long series of planned activities to engage and educate Jamaicans on the benefits that engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity each day, along with proper nutrition, can have towards overall health. The event, the Ministry of Health says, is twofold and will be free to the public.
Patrons will have the opportunity to do free health checks and medical screenings, starting at 12 p.m., as well as speak to medical doctors and on-site counsellors.
At 4:30 p.m., the ‘sweat fest’ will begin as patrons join in on high-energy exercise sessions, which include zumba, power aerobics, socacise and dancehall workout sessions.
“The event is going to be fun, full stop. Patrons can expect to come out and have fun because participating in physical activity does not have to be boring, and we are going to show Jamaica this as we lead by example,” said Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton.