GG Declares April Wellness Month

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, is urging Jamaicans to take the necessary action to attain mental, spiritual and physical wellness.

He said that maintaining balance of the mind, body and spirit is the foundation of positive human fulfilment and good health.

The Governor General was speaking at King’s House on Tuesday, March 31, as he read the proclamation declaring April as Wellness Month.

He said more Jamaicans are recognising the importance of health and wellness, and have improved lifestyle practices through good nutrition, exercise, rest, stress management, mental health and spirituality.

“The wellness movement in Jamaica has developed quite rapidly and most Jamaicans recognise and understand the importance of wellness in the maintenance of good health,” he noted.

Wellness Month is an observance of the Environmental Health Foundation (EHF), which is celebrating of 23 years of service in Jamaica this year.

The promotion forms part of the organisation’s drive to bring widespread attention to the importance of healthy and positive lifestyles at the individual level, which will in turn, help to make a healthier nation.

Activities this year will be held from April 16 to May 1, under the theme: ‘Financial Wellness: How You Can Achieve It’.

These include seminars to educate the public about health and financial wellness, as well as a nutrition seminar, cook off and fitness workshop.

The foundation will recognise and award outstanding organisations and individuals, who have significantly advanced the promotion of wellness and positive lifestyles in Jamaica and/or the region.

Executive Chairman of the Environmental Health Foundation, Dr. Henry Lowe, said that Wellness Month, which is in its 11^th year, presents an opportunity for all Jamaicans to recognise that “time must be found for consideration, contemplation and involvement in wellness”.