Hundreds of Jamaicans mark Caribbean Wellness Day

Hundreds of Jamaicans took part in the country’s planned activities to mark Caribbean Wellness Day on Saturday, September 13. Annually, the second Saturday in September is used as the regional recognition of the need to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the leading cause of death in the Caribbean.

This year saw strong participation in an early morning 3K, with close to 1,000 runners and walkers enjoying the sights and sounds of the Hope Zoo in St Andrew. In the Wellness Village, some 150 health tests, including blood pressure and BMI screenings, were completed and patrons were kept engaged in games, fitness demonstrations, cultural activities, healthy food tastings and educational booths.

The Caribbean Wellness Day celebration also saw some 29 companies field teams for the Obstacle Course Challenge, as part of the Ministry’s Corporate Wellness Challenge (8x8 Edition). Bellevue Hospital emerged the winner, with Jamalco placing second and Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) in third place.

Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay was the hub for activities in the western end of the island, where approximately 80 persons participated in a run/walk and some 50 individuals took advantage of free health screenings.

“Caribbean Wellness Day is more than an event, it’s a movement. This year, we saw the perfect blend of education, fun, and competition, all geared at inspiring Jamaicans to take charge of their health,” said Takese Foga, director of health promotion and education at the ministry.

Caribbean Wellness Day continues to shine a spotlight on the urgent need to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through movement, healthy eating, and preventive care.