TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO S CARIBBEAN WELLNESS AND NATIONAL WELLNESS COMMEMORATIONS

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DIRECTOR HEALTH EDUCATION DIVISION Furness Building. Corner Independence Square and Wrightson Rd, Port of Spain Tel: 623-9005 Ext: 238; Fax: 624-4758; E-mail:promotinghealth4all@yahoo.

1 DIRECTOR HEALTH EDUCATION DIVISION Furness Building. Corner Independence Square and Wrightson Rd, Port of Spain Tel: Ext: 238; Fax: ; TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO S CARIBBEAN WELLNESS AND NATIONAL WELLNESS COMMEMORATIONS Background: Trinidad and Tobago, as the rest of the Caribbean, is in the midst of taking strong action to prevent and control Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which are near epidemic levels nationally and which threaten the quality of life of our citizens, the productivity of the population and the economic outlook for the nation. Trinidad and Tobago has the highest prevalence and high morbidity and mortality rates for chronic non-communicable diseases in the Caribbean, and these rates have been steadily increasing over time. Heart disease, Cancers, Diabetes and Cerebro-vascular disease or stroke, are among the top five (5) leading causes of deaths in Trinidad and Tobago. Taken together, Heart disease, Cancers, Diabetes, and Cerebro-vascular diseases (Stroke), account for over 60% of all deaths annually. Heart Disease 24.6% Malignant Neoplasms 13.7% Diabetes Mellitus 13.6% The results of the STEPS Chronic Disease Risk Factor Survey, (MOH/PAHO, 2011) revealed that the level of risk factors for chronic diseases in our population, are high. The survey results indicated that one in two persons (51.0 %) aged 25 to 64 years have three or more risk factors for NCDs, putting them at raised risk of early development of chronic disease according to WHO risk profile. The survey report further indicated that: - More than half of the population, (55.5%) were overweight or obese - Over 40% of the population do not get sufficient physical exercise weekly - Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables was low % smoke tobacco products % population years had at least 3 of the 5 risk factors for developing NCDs From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 1

2 The data from the child/adolescent population (5-18 years) showed a similar pattern, as approximately a quarter of school aged children 5-18 years, (24%), were overweight or obese, (Evaluation of School Meals Options and Survey of BMI, MOH/CFNI, 2010). These figures indicate that there will be a continuation and escalation of the NCD epidemic, if concerted action is not taken. From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 2

PLANS FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO WELLNESS CAMPAIGN 2014-2015 Each year Caribbean Wellness is observed on the second Saturday in September.

3 PLANS FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO WELLNESS CAMPAIGN Each year Caribbean Wellness is observed on the second Saturday in September. The Theme for CWD 2014 is A Healthy Workforce building the present preserving the future. Planning for Caribbean Wellness Day 2014 began in June Each Regional Health Authority (RHA) in conjunction with NGOs which collaborate with the Ministry of Health, were asked to plan and implement initiatives to commemorate Caribbean Wellness. 1. MINISTRY OF HEALTH CARIBBEAN WELLNESS OBSERVATION 2014 The purpose of the Caribbean Wellness Day 2014 is to have a Fun Physical Activity Day for Children and Adults to jump start a Be Healthy Now Love Your Body campaign. CARIBBEAN WELLNESS FEST The Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago will spearhead the country s wellness campaign with the implementation of a special Family Fun Day on September 20th 2014 Be Healthy Now..Love Your Body. Special emphasis will be placed on participation of schools, youth groupsand youth sports clubs, as we seek to build new health skills of children for maintaining active lifestyles and healthy eating habits. The Objectives are: o To bring at least 5,000 children and adults together to move for health using fun activities, and encourage the population to engage in physical activity as a new national commitment to wellness o To raise awareness of the threat of childhood obesity and promote new cultural practices that promote the health of our children... the future workforce of the nation. o To galvanise the support of all sectors, for addressing and reversing the epidemic of chronic diseases we are currently experiencing Logistics: Saturday 20 th September 2014:- Launch of Wellness Campaign Time 10:30 6:00pm Venue: The Paddock, Queens Park Savannah. Activities for the Wellness Fest 2014 The day s activity will include activities for the whole family with an emphasis on healthy lifestyles for children as the future workforce for the country. This activity will be used to launch a series of National Day of Play campaign that will mobilize children to be active and make healthier food choices. Leaders From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 3

from all sectors, public, private, community and NGOs are invited to join the Ministry of Health in a demonstration of leadership and commitment to reversing for the chronic disease epidemic we now

Three Aerobics Burnouts for Primary School age children, 10-12 (beginning at 10:30am) Teens,13-17 (from12:00-1:00pm) Adults, (from 1:00pm-2:30pm) Fun physical activities including Skipping, Rock

4 from all sectors, public, private, community and NGOs are invited to join the Ministry of Health in a demonstration of leadership and commitment to reversing for the chronic disease epidemic we now face. There will be three major activity clusters in this years Wellness Fair: 1. Three Aerobics Burnouts for Primary School age children, (beginning at 10:30am) Teens,13-17 (from12:00-1:00pm) Adults, (from 1:00pm-2:30pm) Fun physical activities including Skipping, Rock Climbing Wall, Bouncy Castle and more 2. Love Your Body Health Fair Health Screening for Children and Childhood obesity prevention Breastfeeding Promotion Immunization for HPV Healthy Nutrition for Healthy Children Trini Food Makeover-Food Demonstrations Farmer s Market Health Education 3. 5K Fun Walk/Run 5K Walk Run Zumba & Aerobics cool down From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 4

5 DAY OF PLAY INITIATIVE The Ministry in collaboration with schools, youth organisations and other government agencies will be hosting a series of four Day of Play events through Trinidad and Tobago, commencing in October, The day will be all about physical activity including: Ole Time Games Hula Hoop Moral Hop Scotch Skipping Box Cart race and others Fun Races Tin-pan-alley Potato Sac Race Obstacle Course and others Treasure Hunt learning about fruits & vegetables Fun Sports Cricket Basketball Small Goal (Football) inter school Netball Gardening starting a kitchen garden at school Aerob-a- fun burnout Dance Gymnastics Bouncy Castles HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE: LOVE YOURSELF The Objectives of the Healthy Community Caravan include to: Raise awareness about the major chronic diseases, their risk factors, and prevention Build skills of community members for eating healthy and physical activity Teach community members healthy food preparation and methods for increasing use of vegetables and locally grown produce Create opportunities for the community to initiate health promoting behaviours in relation to screening and tracking key indicators of health, starting a back yard garden. Support communities to take action addressing local health needs and promote their health and well-being The Healthy Community Caravan will comprise the following activities: Love That Body: Health Education Displays: What s In That Food Sugar Sweeten Snacking and Kids: Healthy Snacks beverages; High sugar snacks ; The v/s Sometimes Snacks Fat of the Matter ( Fats and Trans What s in that Lunch Kit Fats in popular Foods) Smoking Prevention Reading Food Labels What s good Pap Smear, Breast Examination, and what s Not Prostate Checks Nutrition Demonstrations: From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 5

6 Promoting health cooking methods Understanding Portion Sizes Healthy Eating for persons with NCDs Check Yuhself Know Your Numbers. Basic Health Screening: Blood Pressure; Blood Sugar; Weight, Height (BMI); Cholesterol; Pap Smear; PSA HIV Testing Vision Screening Immunization: HPV, HepB, Tetanus, YF and other relevant vaccines Move that Body: - Physical Activity (PA) Physical Activity Clinic How to build your PA Plan Child s Play Hop Scotch, Skip, Moral etc Schedule for Healthy Communities Caravan Date Community Remarks Fun Aerobics /Dance & Exercise for the elderly Plans for Continuity Community Health Needs Assessment Identification on community health needs and projects Formation of Health Education Lectures and sessions October 11 th 2014 Fishing Pond Community Implementation partners Ministry of Community Development; Fishing Pond Community Council; ERHA November 1st Covigne Rd. Diego Martin Implementation partners Covigne Road Improvement Committee To be determined La Cuesa, Freeport Implementation partners Ministry of Community Development To be determined Guayaguayare Implementation partners Ministry of Community Development To be determined La Sieva, Maracas Implementation partners Ministry of Community Development To be determined Mango Rose, East Dry River Implementation partners Ministry of Community Development From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 6

7 WORKPLACE HEALTH PROMOTION INITIATIVE TARGETING PUBLIC SECTOR WORKPLACES The Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) Program is one of the core program areas of the Health Education Division of the Ministry of Health. This purpose of this program is to promote employee well-being, reduce absenteeism due to illness and increase productivity over the long term. It uses a settings based health promotion approach, which addresses the whole organization, its people, its environment, and policies, in promoting health of workers. It also includes disease prevention and management approaches, as many persons within the work setting already have risk factors of, or are actively managing a chronic disease. Objectives of the Staff Health Promotion Program are to: 1. Provide health screening for staff regarding their health status 2. Increase awareness of health issues and build personal health skills of employees for healthy living 3. Increase the number of staff who engage in healthy lifestyles. 4. Support staff to achieve a healthy weight and normal blood pressure Preliminary Project Scope: - The project will: 1. Provide health screening for staff of the Ministry of Health Head Office, Divisions/Units at Sackville Street Port of Spain, Furness Building, PAU Building, Blood Transfusion/Medical Library/ Queens Park Counseling Center Building and Chemistry Food and Drugs. 2. Provide health screening for staff of the Ministries of government with referrals to public health facilities for persons with screens above normal range 3. Implement Health Education/ Disease Prevention workshops/seminars for staff a. Men s Health Seminar b. Women s Health Seminar c. Nutrition Workshops d. Family Health seminar 4. Conduct Health Promoting activities a. Physical Activity interventions b. Weight management program c. Stress Management From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 7

8 2. EASTERN REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (ERHA) The Eastern Regional Health Authority would be observing Caribbean Wellness Day 2014 with Caribbean Wellness Day Old Time Games to be held Sunday September 28th 2014 from 1-5pm. The day s activities will incorporate a partnership among a number of community groups; the Manzanilla Village Council, Manzanilla Wellness Centre Committee, Manzanilla Chronic Disease Support Group, Manzanilla Old Boys & Girls Association & Plum Mitan Village Council. This will serve as a catalyst to The Launch of Manzanilla Wellness Centre s Zumba classes and to increase membership of the Manzanilla Walking club. Caribbean Wellness Day Old Time Games Logistics o Sunday 28th September 2014 o Time 1:00 5:30pm o Venue:- Manzanilla Recreation Ground. Events include: o Walk - a Ton within the Manzanilla area at 6:00am o Old time games o Zumba & Dance Presentation o Wind Ball Cricket o Aerobic Burn out o Nutrition Displays o Dental Hygiene Education o Health Education o Ministry of Food Production - Home Garden Workplace Health Screening: The ERHA will continue its Lifestyle screening program implemented at selected workplaces within St. Andrew / St. David. This will include screening activities for: o Blood Pressure o Blood sugar o Nutrition Profile o BMI o (Lectures) o Importance of Exercise o Nutrition (Healthy Eating) o Menopause / Andropause o Chronic Disease & Wellness o Cancer Breast & Lung o Heart Disease The Healthy Weight Initiative: From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 8

9 The third part of this campaign will include: seek to assist persons with BMI in excess of 30 to achieve a healthy weight. To achieve this referrals will be made to:. o Medical Officer o Nutrition Counseling o Physical activity/exercise program (through aerobics, walking clubs dance, etc.) o Support groups 3. NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NCRHA) CARIBBEAN WELLNESS PLANS 2014 The North Central Regional health Authority s initiative for Caribbean Wellness will seek to promote a supportive environment for Staff of the North Central Regional Health Authority to develop skills towards healthy living and reduce risk for chronic diseases. Activity Description Dates Health Today for A Better Tomorrow Staff Wellness Initiative NCRHA will visit the staff and clients of each of 19 facilities to promote wellness in one-hour sessions comprising four 15-minute segments (The Importance of Screening, Healthy Diets & Lifestyles, Exercise Today For A Better Tomorrow, and Stress Management). The programme will be carried out until the end of September. NCRHA is also launching a Wellness Initiative for staff members that will begin with aerobics classes twice weekly at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex and the promotion of the use of Wellness Centres at our various facilities. This initiative will be ongoing with the potential for expansion based on the demand. Activity begins September 15 th and continuing Begin in September and continuing 4. NORTH WEST REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY (NWRHA) From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 9

10 As part of the Caribbean Wellness Campaign, the NWRHA will seek to: o To create entry points for community dialogue in a non-threatening environment, between the NWRHA and community stakeholders. o To introduce the concept of a community wellness board to stakeholders within communities. o To disseminate health educational activities within the multiple staff community. o To provide common ground for increased healthcare staff participation in Wellness Activities. Health Works Here! - Workplace Health Healthcare professionals as a unique community have long been ignored in favor of outwardly focused health promotions and behavioral intervention for public citizenry. The World Economic Forum estimates that in excess of thirty-five (35) million persons of employable age will die of chronic non-communicable diseases if we do not curb the ever-rising tide of lifestyle related diseases to which the healthcare worker and layman alike are susceptible. Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) programmes, promoting physical activity and healthy dietary habits, are effective in improving health-related outcomes such as obesity and diabetes as well as decreasing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Enhancing employee productivity, improving corporate image and moderating medical care costs are some of the reasons that employers are motivated and committed to initiating such long-term programmes. Employers can improve productivity and contribute to the economy, while promoting health and well-being for all. Health Works Here Healthy Worker Clinical Support In recognition of Caribbean Wellness Day 2014 which will be observed in the month of September 2014 and keeping with the theme Preserving the Workforce for National and Regional Development, Healthy Economy, the HPRP unit proposes to commence a range of activities due to commence on September 11, 2014, and continuing until September 17, The Selected Institutions for participation are: NWRHA s Head Office. Port of Spain General Hospital. St. Ann s Hospital. St. James Medical Complex. From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 10

11 Healthy Workforce, Healthy Economy To fulfil the MOH requirements of the thrust toward health workplace wellness improvements the NWRHA s Workplace Wellness initiative will continue at all organisations and are available between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday upon their request. Invitations for this service have been extended to a wide cross-section of employers within the North West Region and are inclusive of: o Blood Sugar Screening; o Blood Pressure Screening; o Blood Cholesterol Screening; o BMI & Nutrition Education; o HIV/VCT Screenings; o Vision Screenings; o Prostate Screening o Mental Health Screening and Education o Health Education Lectures; o Substance Abuse Education (Alcoholics Anonymous). o Mental Health Screening and Education. o Disaster Preparedness & Water Conservation (WASA) Fight The Fat Healthy Communities Ii/Iii As part of its initiative to empower communities to maintain healthy lifestyle practices and in support of the MoH s launch of the Fight the Fat campaign in 2012 the NWRHA has and continues to deliver an enhanced package of screening services and wellness activities. Services provided are inclusive of: o Blood Pressure Screening & Blood Sugar Screening o Blood Cholesterol Screening o BMI & Nutrition Education o Dental Health o Adult Immunisation o Food Demonstrations o Physical Activity Demonstrations o HIV/VCT Screenings o Sexual Health Education Lectures (Rapport) o Public Health Lectures & Feedback Sessions o Vision Screenings o Substance Abuse Education (Alcoholics Anonymous) o QPCC&C representatives (Education on Sexually transmitted Diseases) o Prostate Screening & Pap Smears o Mental Health Screening and Education o Disaster Preparedness & Water Conservation (WASA) o Kids activities Face painting; Bouncy castle; Skipping; Moral; Hopscotch. From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 11

12 Put Health In Your Basket This commemorative activity continues on a scheduled basis in the form of screening services at the Health in the Market Place initiative, which is conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the St. James Amphitheatre St. James (1st Saturday in every month as a pilot project for six months); WASA Grounds Diego Martin (2 nd Saturday in every other month); Central Market Port of Spain (3 rd Sunday in every month) and Croisee Promenade San Juan (4 th, Sunday in every month). Services provided are inclusive of: o Blood Sugar Screening & Blood Pressure Screening o Blood Cholesterol Screening o BMI & Nutrition Education o HIV/VCT Screenings o Vision Screenings o Substance Abuse Education (Alcoholics Anonymous) 5. CARIBBEAN WELLNESS ACTIVITIES - NGOs AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATION Trinidad and Tobago Association of Nutritionists and Dietiticians TTANDi will focus on Preserving the workforce for National and Regional development with a focal point on members of the healthcare team as part of the workforce in particular dietitians and nutritionists and possibly nursing staff. There will also be a focus on other members of the workforce specifically teachers. Special attention will be given to nutrition-related health concerns for men. Key Activities will include: o Hosting training sessions for our members to equip them with new skills and approaches to treat with NCDs specifically in the male population o Hosting a health seminar for the nutrition and dietetics personnel as well as nursing staff with respect to managing their own health. o Health booth display at CWD celebrations that addresses topics of interest in a nontraditional way. o NCDs and Men - Men and Diabetes - Hypertension and Vision - Amputation and the Male 4. Primary school teachers will be targeted with a specific aim that the health lifestyle practices that the teachers adopt will help to influence their students towards a healthier lifestyle. From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 12

13 Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS) The Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society has recognized the need to dispel myths and misconception about cancer utilizing various communication infrastructures. In an effort to accomplish this the Society will use the platform of social media we will continue to share pertinent information as it relates to leading healthy lifestyles. In addition to their public outreach which includes the dissemination of brochures, facilitating lectures and attending health fairs articles, studies, videos and infographics will be shared though Facebook, Twitter and most recently YouTube. Facebook- Twitter- A Prostate Cancer Screening Challenge was recently issued for men over the age of 40 years to get screened. This challenge has become necessary due to the unfortunate stigma attached to screening procedures. To make an appointment or for more information please call The mobile screening clinic will continue to visit rural areas of Trinidad and Tobago making cancer screening; Pap smears and PSA's more accessible and affordable. If you are interested in having the mobile visit your community please call The Society will continue to advocate for the signatures necessary for the Caribbean Cervical Cancer E-petition asking heads of government to increase women s access to affordable cervical cancer screening. We are asking the public to sign at Our clinic located at 62 Rosalino Street in Woodbrook provides screening at a subsidized cost. We facilitate mammograms, pap Smears, Ultrasounds, Biopsies, HVS and Prostate screening. Counselling Services- The Society offers free psychological counselling to clients, patients, survivors and their families by appointment only Submitted Yvonne Lewis Director Health Education Division Ministry of Health From the Office of Yvonne Lewis. Director Health Education Division, Ministry of Health Page 13

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