guardian.co.tt
The Prime Minister is encouraging the public to take the initiative and make use of different health fairs to have themselves screened for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to prevent major health issues later on in life.
Rowley made the remarks while visiting the second annual Diego Martin West Grand Health Fair at the Carenage Boys’ Government Primary School on Sunday afternoon.
The health fair was intended to raise awareness of healthy lifestyle choices while offering free check-ups and examinations to residents.
Rowley visited the health fair just before 1 pm and visited different classrooms that were used as check-up stations.
Speaking with reporters during the visit, he praised doctors for volunteering their time and expertise and stressed the importance of adequate medical checks to prevent small, manageable lifestyle issues from worsening to serious health problems.
“Some people may come here today with a complaint and the doctor will diagnose and tell them what they did or advise them of further conditions.
“They may not even know they have a complaint and when they come here they discover they have something that requires their attention.
“A simple thing like hypertension, they are eating as normal, they are behaving as normal, they are feeling good but the pressure is high, they are feeding on salt when, in fact, they could have done something different.
“That’s why we try to do these things. The community appreciates it.”
At one of the check-up stations, Rowley was seen testing his eyesight.
Speaking with Guardian Media office manager for the Diego Martin West constituency, Yokymma Bethelmy said the health fair was organised in collaboration with the Seventh Day Adventist Church and was in line with goal number three of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals which sought to raise the quality of health and well-being for all.
She said the constituency of Diego Martin West has rolled out various health initiatives aimed at ensuring a better quality of life to all.
“We are excited, this is something we have tried to maintain on a constituency level and this is just a grand attempt at it with even more support.
“Some of the things we have done in the past to promote good health are the vaccination drivers where we had other health screenings and tests done.”
Also attending the fair was CEO of the Community Hospital of Seventh Day Adventists in Cocorite, Dr Stephen Carryl, who said he observed a more health conscious public in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, noting last year’s health fair was well-attended and anticipated a similar turnout.
He also implored the public to prioritise their health and well-being as it could affect every aspect of their lives.
“Your asset or your wealth is your health and it affects your ability to work and do everything, so we will give you very practical tips as to how to do disease prevention and preserve health.”
The different features at the fair included eye testing, prostate exams, dental exams, pap smears and blood pressure testing.