The motto for my high school is ‘Mens sana in corpore sana’, a healthy mind in a healthy body. The upcoming series of health articles will emphasize how good health begins in the mind – and even deeper: in the spirit.
After being away for 35 years, I think I’ve found the secret to the success of Dominican students wherever they go. Excitement gripped the land on Monday, June 24, when the Grade Six National Assessment results were announced. Breaking news interrupted regular programming and talk shows held their fire long enough to join the heartfelt celebration of pride of our youth. Louis Riviere of tiny rural Concord Primary School captured the coveted top spot followed smartly by Kodie Jean Jacques of Convent Prep and Gianni George of St. Martin Primary.
Pioneer Preparatory School was singled out for the highest percentage pass rate of 116% in which subject? Mathematics? How cool is that! The 2013 grade Six National Assessment Exam also featured the small communities of Warner and Campbell among the top four performers.
This is clearly a testament to hard-working teachers, interested parents and the solid broad-based educational system in Dominica. These children sparkle and give us hope for tomorrow.
In the United States however, such adulation is reserved for sports. Though American football cannot be said to be an international game, they interestingly enough crown themselves world champions. A fortunate few celebrities go on to amass phenomenal wealth, while overall academic performance becomes increasingly mediocre, despite the best resources available. Big money in school sports makes that mindset difficult to change. So it is left for international students to routinely excel in the States – and Dominicans are frequently in the forefront.
Call me biased, but I happen to believe that the balance of sports and academics on the Nature of Isle is just about right. The results speak for themselves. Here, it comes as second nature for all students to participate in sports according to their ability, at least in athletics on some level. In some other countries it is optional or some students cannot afford. Physical education helps stem the global tide of obesity with its related rampant medical consequences.
Advances in communication expose our youth to many influences that threaten to poison their minds but responsible citizens must never lose faith and always strive to stay one step ahead.
La luta continua! The struggle continues – on the scientific front. In the field of health, we are fortunate to have one of the most productive medical schools in the world right here on Dominica. In fact, we are blessed with two! These universities both bring eager minds from around the world for a unique educational experience. We are about to explore a host of new modalities such as telemedicine. This will be an integral part of a holistic menu of services including the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture. Visitors now come to enjoy exhilarating exploration of our nature trails, indigenous cultural gems, highly-rated dive sites and the wonders of whale watching. With medical tourism, they will come not only to refresh and recharge, but also for affordable medical procedures and treatments as well.
Just watch!
Most importantly, however, this health column will focus on the things we need to do in order for each of us to get strong and healthy. The thrust of our medical system will proactively shift from a focus on disease. Ever so subtlety the emphasis will be on how to stay well and truly sparkle – not just for ourselves, our family and our friends, but indeed, for all the world to see.
Dr. Sam Christian is specialist surgeon, speaker and author. His Dominica practice will be launched on Saturday June 29. Free check-ups offered on Monday July 1st. To schedule, please call 613 8345 or email: [email protected].
Hi Sampy, When we were Classmates, it used to be “A sound mind in a healthy body”
I am impress .wellness in the nature island the best for people to heal.am a massage therapist in the us and everything I use or purchase for my services we have in dominica and it’s more natural directly from the earth,for example hot stone I purchase the stones they have been somehow process to be used on this modality hot stone therapy,caster oil my grandma use to make it I but it ,coconuts oil,
Another health column? Is DNO becoming a health journal?
I know people have to be health conscious but isn’t this overkill?
What about a religions column? A political one? I enjoyed Denis Joseph when he wrote.
Come on DNO be more creative.
Admin: Actually, we are working on a religious column but columns can only be sustained if competent, knowledgeable people are willing to write. We’ve been trying for the past two years to get political parties here to contribute to a political column, without success. I guess people like Dennis Joseph are a rare breed. Most of us seem to prefer to blog anonymously. Why don’t you use your creativity and occasionally contribute an article to DNO? We would welcome that.
Good response DNO!
I like the optimism in this piece. We must look to garner our strenghs while buffeting our weaknesses. Well said and welcome home. The children are indeed our future. Failure is not an option. They must be nurtured and protected
The font and size of this piece is hurting my eyes. The paragraphs are too close… to much work to read, so I gave up! But the beginning seemed very interesting. Sad I could not finish it. DNO please avoid this type of presentation in future.
Admin: We apologize for that technical glitch. The problem has been corrected.
Has the doctor returned to establish his base in his island home? If so, welcome, Doc. Dominica and the OECS need more specialists in all fields.
A specialist surgeon ???? what field is he in
Welcome home Dr. Sam.
I admire your thoughts on the fascination with wellness instead of disease. You are so right! Wellness Tourism is the way forward for the Nature Isle… I look eagerly forward to your articles. Dominica rejoices when a son or daughter of the soil returns home to help take the nation one step forward in the right direction; health, happiness and wholeness.
well written and also so very true. Congratulations on the opening of your practice at home. I’m longing, looking forward to the day I will be able to do the same-return home, open my practice and give back to the land of my birth.
another political contender?
Are you mentally insane or retarded or even stupid??… Fada if doe hav nothing good to say shut up the gutter you call your mouth… Gosh man!