While there are many factors that contribute to road accidents, adhering to some common road safety tips could make a big difference between life and death. As Jamaica Observes Road Safety Month, the JIS would like to share with you our readers a few safety tips to bear in mind while using the road. Pedestrians: When using the road walk...

Physical Activity at the Workplace Workplaces will experience many cost benefits when they invest in physical activity programmes for their staff. Research has shown that the benefits that the individual employee receives will be reflected in increased productivity, reduced absenteeism and reduced staff turn-over to name a few (UK Health and Safety Executive 2004). Getting Started This section addresses the structure that needs...

Cutting down on holiday spending, doesn't have to mean cutting down on holiday fun. Here are 10 ways to plan a fun holiday without breaking the bank: 1. Create a Budget Create a solid spending plan. Review your finances and decide how much you can afford to spend on Christmas while covering your usual expenses. Divide this amount among your...

Download Frequently Asked Questions: Ebola Virus Disease PDF  1. What is Ebola virus disease? Ebola virus disease (formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever) is a severe, often fatal illness, with a death rate of up to 90%. The illness affects humans and nonhuman primates (monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees). Ebola first appeared in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, one in a...

1. What is Chikungunya? Chikungunya fever is an emerging mosquito-borne disease caused by an alphavirus, Chikungunya virus. The disease is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. CHIKV is spread when the female Aedes mosquito bites an infected person and then bites other people. 2. Does Jamaica have both the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus...

The disease Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes that causes fever and severe joint pains. It is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread or pass on the chikungunya virus. This type of mosquito also spreads the dengue virus. Symptoms The most common symptoms are fever and severe joint pains, often in the hands, wrist and...

Christmas is a very magical time of the year. The lights, decorations and treats for the young and young at heart. However there are many hazards that lurk beneath the merriment. Here is a checklist of hazards to keep in mind while planning and carrying out your festivities.   Safer Trees and Decorations When purchasing an artificial tree, look for...

Stop smoking. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking is linked to several types of cancer - not just lung cancer. Quitting now will reduce your risk of cancer in the future.   Avoid excessive sun exposure. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer. Limit your sun exposure by...

Acquiring school text books  Plan your shopping routes carefully to avoid spending days in search of school supplies. Remember that the best guard against purchasing the wrong textbook is to take the booklist along to the store. Before writing your child’s name in the book, check the edition, author and the publisher’s name given on the book list. Purchase notebooks...