Imbert declares war on tobacco

HEALTH MINISTER Colm Imbert yesterday promised a government subvention to the Trinidad and Tobago Heart Foundation (TTHF) to assist with their programmes.

Speaking at the launch of Heart Month 2003 at the Kapok Hotel, Imbert noted that heart disease remains the highest ranking cause of death in our country and as such public education is very important. Imbert also used the occasion to declare war on tobacco.  He said at the recent World Health Assembly in Geneva, member states of the World Health Organisation unanimously adopted a no tobacco policy.  This will lead to legislative action in Trinidad and Tobago to control advertising of tobacco products and the activities of tobacco companies. According to the Minister, tobacco is one of the leading contributory factors in heart disease and cancer. Imbert also announced that effective June 1, free medication and access to the coronary disease programme will  be available to every person over the age of 60.

TTHF President Dr Allan McKenzie, who also spoke at the launch, said it was the organisation’s main objective to inform the nation about heart disease, the risk of stroke and how to identify, prevent or live with heart disease and still enjoy life to the fullest. “In Trinidad and Tobago heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, with rates more or less unchanged over the past ten years. That is why we have to educate the public about the role which the following factors play in the growth of Cardiovascular Diseases — smoking, high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol, unhealthy dietary habits, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and psycho-social stress. Also addressing the gathering was Paul Regis, Secretary of the Caribbean Cardiac Society (CCS), the first person in Trinidad and Tobago to have open heart surgery. He assured the TTHF that the CCS will continue as their partner in efforts to limit the ravages of cardiac disease in the community.