Parliamentary Representative for the Soufriere Constituency, Denise Charles-Pemberton, and the Pointe Michel Development Committee in collaboration with the Soufriere Constituency Association and Youth Emergency Action are embarking on several exciting activities, which will form part of ‘Health Month’ to be observed in April.
Health Month was launched recently, and the upcoming activities include, health walks, health talks, cardio jams, food fair, and sports.
“The Dominica Labour Party has invested significantly in strengthening our primary healthcare systems by investing in smart and modern health and wellness centres, but most times we only utilize these centres when we are sick,” Charles-Pemberton said. “It is with all this in mind that I am excited to work with the Pointe Michel Development Committee on our health month themed: Your Health is your Wealth.”
According to the parl rep, a meeting was held inviting local council, youth groups, doctors, nurses, and anyone interested, to address the issue of health in our community.
“And I must say I was very pleased with the commitment that everyone expressed,” she stated. “Commitment to use their time and efforts so we can have a successful health month.”
She said everyone agreed to help make this month a success, “but it will only work if everyone joins in to learn more and take better care of their bodies.”
Moreover, Charles-Pemberton stated that if one is not healthy, he or she cannot enjoy the best of life.
“Let’s take care of ourselves and make a commitment to be healthier,” she encouraged. “Join us in making a difference for our health…”
She further encouraged all residents of Pointe Michel, Gallion, Soufriere and Scottshead to participate in the activities organized for health month this year.
A few years ago, a ‘floating hospital’ visited Dominica offering free healthcare. What was shocking was the huge numbers of citizens and residents that sought medical attention.
My point is that thousands of Dominicans are suffering from non-communicable diseases. We are literally digging our graves by consuming too many salty, sugary, starchy, cholesterol-laden foods.
The majority of the citizenry are financially unable to purchase healthful foods. They are broke. Therefore, they resort to the cheapest consumables. These foods are deleterious for one’s health.
Physical exercise, drinking adequate water to be always hydrated, getting sufficient rest/sleep are all great things to do. But, the most important thing to do is eating right.
With unemployment at an all time high, businesses closing, dollars rear, most people are reduced to mendicancy, not health but survival has become the most concerning issue.
It is not food only that makes one sick. Ninety-five (95%) of people who are sick from non-communicable is due to negative stress. Stress kills – worry of financial lack, domestic issues, work related issues, conflict in homes, schools, church, social issues, personal issues, land disputes, illness of a loved one in the home, etc etc – all of life issues are in our tissues, says the book of Proverbs.
Please be mindful that problems begin in the mind – our thoughts are things/vibrations, which can be positive or negative. When multiple negative thoughts are released, they show up in any part of the body. The result – mind over matter –
Can we have some demonstration to show the people how the mind makes one sick.? Remember we as a people are all connected in one way or another – therefore the issues of life. If we can spend some time on teaching our nation how the mind make us sick , then I believe that we will now have a healthy nation, in Jesus name.