No one wants to have diabetes, heart disease, cancer or stroke. But an alarming number of people in the Caribbean suffer from one or more of these maladies. In the light of this, the third annual Caribbean Wellness Day on September 11 is all about publicizing the simple steps that men, women, and children can take to live longer, healthier lives, said a press release from the PAHO/CARICOM Caribbean Wellness Day Organizing Committee.
And while the maladies identified are the leading causes of illnesses and death in the region today, the good news is that some 40% to 80% of these illnesses can be prevented, depending on four things: whether you smoke, what you eat, how active you are, and how you use alcohol.
In the case of tobacco, which is the only consumer product that kills when used as intended by the manufacturer, it is responsible for 20 percent of all deaths in the Caribbean. It kills 50 per cent of regular users, half of them between the ages of 35 and 69.
As regards food, the main problems are too much salt and unhealthy choices. People in the Caribbean consume more than twice the amount of salt that is good for them, contributing to high blood pressure, strokes, and other illnesses. Salt is hidden in prepared foods, which also tend to have too much fat and sugar.
Everyone would be much better off returning to a more traditional Caribbean diet rich in fresh sea food, fruits, and vegetables and the meals would be more satisfying too.
Regarding physical activity, the sad news is that half of the Caribbean’s people are “couch potatoes” who do virtually no physical activity at all, the release noted. But the good news is that exercising just 30 minutes a day can cut our risk of heart attack in half. And contrary to what many think, rather than making you tired, exercise makes you feel more youthful and energetic, the release noted.
Meanwhile, the unwise use of alcohol was cited for contributing to motor vehicle injuries and deaths, domestic violence, mental health problems, and illnesses including liver disease and several types of cancer. Moderate use of alcohol, on the other hand, seems to help promote cardiovascular health, the release said.
It also urged persons to remember to check their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight regularly.
According to the release, persons who have a problem with any of these risk factors should be seeing their doctor regularly and taking their medication every day. Almost half of all persons prescribed blood pressure or cholesterol medicines stop taking them after six months.
High blood pressure is a silent killer, and is the leading risk factor for death in the region, the release pointed out.
So on September 11, Caribbean Wellness Day, just say, “I love my body. I’d like it to last,” then get out, get going, and take the simple steps to make sure it does.
