Hundreds attend health fair at QP Savannah

HUNDREDS of health conscious persons of all ages, braved the inclement weather on Saturday and made their way to over 50 booths erected for the Family Day and Health Fair held at the Paddock area of the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain. The event, which was hosted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with several other establishments and organisations, focused on healthy lifestyles and managing health. Free tests, including blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, HIV/AIDS and body mass index were available to interested persons. Massage demonstrations,  immunisation, counselling and referrals from medical doctors were also part of the package.

A warm-up aerobic session preceded the Women’s 5k run, in which over 22,000 women participated, with Pillar McShine emerging as the winner.
Health Minister John Rahael, in a brief address to the women before the race began, thanked them for coming out in their numbers despite the rain and encouraged them to keep up their physical activities on a daily basis. Music for the ‘fun aerobics’ closing event was provided by local band H2O Phlo. According to Carol-Ann Senah, Deputy Director of Public Health Promotions and Communications,  health fairs had been held annually at different Regional Health Authorities for the past four years. This was the first time, she said, that a national fair had been undertaken by the ministry.