Information Courtesy of the Ministry of Health

(Basseterre, St. Kitts) - The Chief Medical Officer at Ministry of Health, Dr. Patrick Martin, is inviting the general public of St. Kitts and Nevis to participate in the exercise activities planned for Caribbean Wellness Day, Saturday, Sept. 13.

The commemoration of Caribbean Wellness Day was endorsed by CARICOM Heads of Government in response to the region’s epidemic of chronic diseases. Conditions such as Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension, certain Cancers, Allergies and Arthritis are linked to unhealthy habits such as lack of exercises; overeating; and eating processed food that is high fat, high salt, high in refined sugar and high in chemical additives.

Persons who are affected and persons whose close relatives are affected have the opportunity to add “life to their years” and push back the tsunami of chronic disease by making simple changes to their habits. Each person has to make the life changing decision to eat right and exercise regularly.

The Ministries of Health are working to provide opportunities to enable change for improvement in personal health. Therefore, under the theme “Love That Body”, join your friends and family on Saturday Sept. 13, for the following exercise activities:

In Nevis

-Walk from Oualie to Charlestown from 5:30 am

-Walk from Market Shop, Gingerland, to Charlestown from 4 pm, then

-Join the Aerobics at the Villa at 6 pm

In St. Kitts

-Walk for Health from Cayon Health Center starting at 5:30 am

Then on Saturday September 20th, join the “fit and fearless” at Brimstone Hill (organized by the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park) as they walk, jog, run, and bolt from the bottom of the hill to the Parade Ground, a cool 800 feet up.

These fun activities are healthy ways to celebrate the Independence Silver Jubilee. Since 1983, obesity, diabetes and hypertension have escalated. Let us all resolve to reduce the rates of chronic diseases before the Golden Jubilee.

Exercise is highly recommended and guaranteed to get persons on the right road to reducing the need and expense for medications and herbs.