Rahael moves to promote healthier living

As part of the Health Ministry’s health promotion thrust, mayors and other representatives of municipal corporations met yesterday to discuss how healthy spaces can be created at schools and communities. Speaking at the opening of the “Healthy Spaces Advocacy Meeting” at Crowne Plaza yesterday, Health Minister John Rahael said TT had first world health problems. “Our rate of diabetes, heart disease and injury are among the highest in the Americas. Our current health profile demonstrates that these chronic non-communicable diseases are causing the most deaths and disabilities in our country.” They are most prevalent in the working population 35 and over.

In addition to non-communicable diseases are social problems — substance abuse, motor vehicle accidents and HIV/AIDS — which are contributing to death and disability. The young population, 15-24, is most affected. Rahael said none of these diseases and social problems can be cured but they can be managed to reduce their disabling effects. He said the determinants of health do not rest with the health sector alone, although the health sector can educate the public about practicing healthier lifestyles. Rahael said environments which promote healthy lifestyles are essential to helping individuals and communities to practice healthy living.

He said a Health Promotion Council has been established in order to bring together Government and non-governmental organisations to develop policy, identify roles and collaborate to create environments supporting the practice of healthy lifestyles. Rahael announced that this year’s theme for Health Promotion Month in April will focus on healthy living to reduce obesity and sedentary living. Dr Gina Watson, technical adviser for health promotion with the Pan American Health Organisation, stressed the involvement of the population in health promotion. She said health must be promoted as a social product and not the result of the health system providing medical care.