s the Caribbean tackles the growing incidence of chronic diseases, Guyana has kick-started its initiative with the Million Mile Challenge for Health that intends to log one million miles through walking, jogging, running, swimming and cycling by the end of 2008.
Off to an ambitious start of 500 plus miles documented at the launch of the challenge yesterday at the National Park, the activity will next move into communities across the country in another seven days. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Health, the challenge will be thrown out in 100 selected villages spanning every region but registration is open to individuals and groups willing to document miles of their own.
Young amateur boxers, health workers; NGOs, Ministers and families totalling 200 assembled at the park in the morning sun for the first leg of the challenge. In the midst were children on roller blades and cycles eager to document their miles as well. The majority made three trips around the one and a quarter mile park while others including Health Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy scored five trips. In the end, the 500 miles goal set for the launch was surpassed.
Though many looked as though another trip around might have done more harm than good the general consensus was that the challenge does not end there. Some promised to return to the park faithfully every Sunday until year end while others said whether the miles are documented or not they will do something to keep things going. Importantly for the ministry, a few athletic clubs and groups registered to pile up miles this year.
It is estimated that 60 percent of the Guyanese population is inactive but according to Ramsammy, this would not be for long. He said the challenge was initiated to increase physical activity and promote positive lifestyles, as part of the national strategy on diet, exercise and health.
His message yesterday was simple. If Guyana is going to address the issue of chronic diseases which contribute to more than 53 percent of all deaths locally the people have got to get up and start moving. Ramsammy said the sedentary lifestyles that the majority of Guyanese enjoy cost the health sector close to $3 billion in medical costs last year alone, adding that the costs are expected to spiral if nothing changes. A minimum of 30 minutes a day is all that is required to bring about change, he added.
“This is not much we asking and we hope people will realize that and will come out in vast numbers as we move from community to community. At the same time, people must be aware that poor lifestyle choices over the years have resulted in a disease burden not just here but across the region”.
Ramsammy had a policy of ‘walk and talk’ yesterday at the park and while on his fourth mile he commented that chronic diseases have gripped the country, particularly kidney disease. Kidney disease cases continue to mount and research done locally has shown that persons aged 45 and older with hypertension and diabetic complaints develop kidney disease but pregnant women have emerged as a much younger risk group in addition to younger people who struggle with their weight and high blood pressure.
According to Ramsammy regular physical activity would benefit Guyanese given that it is a major factor in preventing chronic diseases. He underscored the point that nutrition cannot be ignored given that unhealthy diets also contribute to the current problem. Pointing to the benefits to be derived from regular exercise, he said, it reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease and the risk of dying from it; the risk of stroke; helps control weight and lower the risk of becoming obese; lowers the risk of developing high blood pressure; helps reduce blood pressure in people who already have hypertension; promotes psychological well-being and reduces feelings of stress among a host of other benefits.
The Minister said it is better to maintain health than regain it which is why physical activity is important and the challenge is critical.
In the coming months the Million Mile Challenge would be proposed at the regional level given that Caricom Heads of Govern-ment have committed to collective action to stop the epidemic of the ‘lifestyle’ diseases as articulated at the landmark summit held in Trinidad and Tobago in September 2007.
Non- Communicable Diseases (NCD): cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity and some cancers are the leading causes of death in the Caribbean. In a joint declaration in 2007, CARICOM leaders called for action on NCDs including: efforts to increase physical activity in the entire population, such as in the workplace and through sports and by providing parks and other recreational spaces, and the reintroduction of physical education in schools and programmes that provide healthy meals and promote healthy eating
The Minister revealed that he has already drafted a letter to Caricom officially notifying it of the initiative. In another few months, he said, the World Health Assembly will be informed and subsequent proposals made for the challenge to be adopted. Additionally, Ramsammy will seek to have collaborating partners such as the Pan American Health Organisation on board.
Further, he said, it is not simply about walking or jogging since the challenge is population-based and multi-sectoral. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the Ministry of Education among other ministries are on board and are part of the implementation, Ramsammy said, adding that physical activity is to become a part of the curriculum in schools. He said the Olympic size swimming pool that government has agreed to fund is another part of the strategy.
