Caribbean Wellness Day
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Caribbean Wellness Day |
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Contact: Claudia Monlouis
Monday, August 15, 2011 – The Caribbean is gearing for the observance of Caribbean Wellness day next month.
The observance of Caribbean Wellness Day was one of the decisions taken when the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government, deeply concerned about the physical, economic and social burdens caused by lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, obesity and cancer.
CARICOM met in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on September 15th 2007 to design a plan of action to stop the epidemic of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
To be observed annually on the second Saturday in September, Caribbean Wellness Day showcases national and community level activities to promote healthy living and encourage residents to develop good health practices.
Among the activities proposed for the day are the introduction of vehicle-free streets and smoke-free environments to provide opportunities and safe spaces for physical activity and healthy eating, free from exhaust emissions tobacco smoke and other pollutants.
Regional and national organisers hope to launch a campaign of regular physical activities for popular participation to promote healthy living for prevention and control of NCDs. The main focus of the campaign will be on a small number of targets – eating healthy foods, regular exercise, checking and controlling blood pressure, quit smoking – to be achieved through constant gentle practice rather than drastic unsustainable activity. |
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