Jamaicans now have the opportunity to be vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has infected over 47,000 people since the first reported case in March of 2020. As a part of the Government of Jamaica’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) is encouraging all Jamaicans to get vaccinated against COVID-19. However,...

Regular physical activity is essential to physical and mental health. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) recommends that Jamaicans use the additional time that is being spent at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to engage in physical activity daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity can have several implications for persons who have not contracted COVID-19,...

As reported by the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS), colon cancer (colorectal cancer) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Jamaica. In 2018, 642 new cases were recorded and 373 persons passed away from the disease. This type of cancer occurs in the colon, which is the large intestine, or in the rectum. It is developed from abnormal growths...

Beginning in March 2021, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has made arrangements for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the Jamaican public. Vaccinations will be administered according to a schedule and the need and vulnerability of various sections of the population. Vaccination Schedule Following a public call by the GOJ, specific groups of persons will be asked to register to...

In Jamaica, there is an incidence of Down syndrome (DS) for 1 in every 868 live births, as reported by the Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation (JDSF). The term ‘Down syndrome’ was originally called ‘Mongolism’ but was changed in the early 1970s after large-scale negative feedback. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a public health agency in...

Endometriosis Awareness is observed during the month of March. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the chronic condition, which affects over 100,000 women in Jamaica. Yellow is the international awareness colour for endometriosis. Endometriosis causes tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue – normally found inside the womb – to grow in areas outside of the womb. These...

World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) is observed on March 15 annually to promote the basic rights of all consumers and to ensure that those rights are respected and protected. The need for consumer protection in Jamaica has increased due to the presence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). A surge in public demand for essential items including sanitisers, masks and disinfectants,...