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Healthy Lifestyle Campaign to be Intensified

May 13, 2005

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The Ministry of Health’s healthy lifestyle campaign will be intensified this year, with the implementation of a number of programmes to promote healthy habits, while existing initiatives will be strengthened.
Health Minister John Junor, in his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House on May 11, said that promoting healthy sexual practices; decreased aggressive behaviours; and the importance of proper diet and exercise, were at the core of the healthy lifestyle strategy. “The policy aims to increase our awareness of the major risks to maintaining good health,” he noted.
He said the public education drive to heighten awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco smoking would be intensified, while the Ministry was now looking at issues such as smoking in public places.
Last year, the Ministry introduced a campaign to reduce the use of tobacco, after a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and International Research Centre-commissioned survey, showed a positive co-relation between timely interventions and reduced consumption.
Additional programmes to be undertaken this financial year, include the promotion of exercise in the form of cheerleading competitions and healthy lifestyle clubs, and encouraging communities to develop safe, green spaces for physical activity.
One such health zone was launched on May 10 at the St Ann’s Bay sports complex, where a walking /jogging trail and exercise benches were established and health messages mounted.
Wellness centres have also been developed and Minister Junor explained that clients were screened and counselling provided for persons with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity.

Last Updated: May 13, 2005

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