Public Health Unit promoting improved wellness and fun for 2022

National Epidemiologist Harmonie Brewley-Massiah.

The Public Health Unit in the Ministry of Health and Social Development is on a quest to promote improved health, wellness and fun for the 2022 new year according to National Epidemiologist Harmonie Massiah-Brewley.

Massiah-Brewley said COVID-19 has contributed to the high mortality rates among people with chronic non-communicable diseases and her unit will be re-focusing its energies into promoting health wellness and fun through this year’s calendar of events.

“When it comes to your health, everything is inextricably connected. It is time we fit all the pieces of the puzzle together to improve population health. We will be focused on changing the current paradigm of health and wellness in the territory,” the National Epidemiologist said.

Massiah-Brewley outlined that the Public Health Unit’s team will be promoting World Cancer Day, National Pizza Day, VI Love Yourself Week, International Childhood Cancer Day, International Shingles Awareness Day and International Rare Disease Day during this month.

“We have a lot of activities planned and we want to engage with the community more. We hope that the community will embrace us by participating, as we work together to achieve our health goals,” Massiah-Brewley added.

The unit will be observing today as National Pizza Day and the public is invited to mark the occasion and be creative by showcasing some new and scrumptious but healthier versions of pizza.

“These initiatives are to show the public that we do not have to sacrifice flavour for health. We can enjoy eating our favourite ‘’junk’ foods, just with the right ingredients and a few key tweaks,” she said.

The Public Health Unit also has several other activities planned for VI Love Yourself Week from February 14 to 18 and the public is invited to participate.

On February 14 is ‘Show Love!’ Persons are encouraged to perform a random act of kindness and make a post of it on social media. February 15 is showcasing your lunch kits and on February 16 persons are encouraged to ‘stop the debate and go hydrate’.

They are encouraged to post pictures promoting water consumption. Meanwhile, February 17 is ‘Snack Time is the best time’ and people are encouraged to display healthy snacks. Finally, February 18 is ‘Croc it out’ where residents are encouraged to parade the streets with their crocs and get some steps in.

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