Though health officials continue to fight the battle known as COVID-19, the true war lies in the efforts to combat the wave of non-communicable diseases (NCD) affecting Barbadians, Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic says.
Bostic delivered remarks at an ecumenical church service to celebrate the work of the National Task Force on Wellness at the St. Matthias Anglican on Sunday.
He explained that not only was COVID-19 adversely affecting all Barbadians, but especially those currently living with an NCD.
“It is these NCDs — heart related issues, cancer, hypertension and all of the others — that still remain the leading cause of death in this country, and still remain the leading sector within health-care services that still require the greatest funding by Government. Even within the pandemic, the persons who are most vulnerable to a large extent have one or more NCDs,” he said.
Though he was pleased with the amount of civil and non-governmental organizations, which have partnered with the Ministry of Health and Wellness against this fight, Bostic notes that COVID-19 and NCDS have placed pressure on the Queen Elizabeth (QEH) Hospital resources.
“NCDs [have] not gone anywhere. Even as I speak, we have issues at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in terms of lack of bed spaces right now, because Accident and Emergency [department] has once again bottlenecked with persons returning for treatments for NCDs. So this is a very serious issue,” Bostic revealed.
The Minister of Health expressed hope that with the increased interest of late with Barbadians seeking to live healthier lives, that the rate of NCDs affecting locals will soon start to drop, and encouraged faith-based organizations and other institutions, to press on in the fight against these diseases.
“If we can spread this message within our institutions, within our communities, and within our homes, if we can fight together, I am sure that we will overcome the burdens of NCDS,” he said.
“All of you can become part of the National Task Force on Wellness, by supporting and collaborating. Even though your organizations have done a lot of charitable and a lot of good work over the years, I want to suggest to you, if you can assist in this national effort in fighting NCDs, I believe within me that this will be one of the most significant things that your organization would ever have done in the support and development of this country,” he stressed. (SB)
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If you truly wants to help cure some of these diseases, help weak Barbadians who can’t help themselves to eat healthy. Stop importing sodas, chips, and other unhealthy foods. Have more restaurants and other eateries prepare more healthy dishes. Encourage more Barbadians to cook at home again. Give them seedlings or seeds so they can plant fruit and vegetables in their backyards. All the talking isn’t going to solved the problems. While you speak more legs and toes are probably being amputated. The government should make it mandatory that people eat healthy since it’s the one holding the purse. Who pays for amputations and other debilitating problems associated with these diseases? I rest my case.
Countries made it mandatory that people wear seatbelts, helmets, and other protective gears. So why can’t they do the same with eating and drinking? Don’t talk and not set an example. Set an example by banning all unhealthy foods to Barbados…Ask the manufactures to make health products so business can still be conducted if needed.Teas without sugar or any artificial sweeteners. Chips bake not fry or salted. And a whole lot of other things that could be done if you are interested, or cares about Barbadians’ health! Most people are stubborn so you have to make the decision for them. Plant more healthy foods and less of bad foods. Ie, squash, (all kinds) zucchini, carrots, beets, cabbage, bell peppers, okras, cauliflower, just to name a few from the vegetable groups. Mangoes, bananas and pineapples ARE NOT GOOD for people who family members suffers with diabetes.
So long as Bajans continue to populate Therapists office for everything going wrong in their lives, marriages and children’s matters Barbados will never be rid of the NCD problem. As hard as it is…Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!!! The reality is that “sugar” is not a new disease. The older folks (people in their 80s) talked about walking a lot and keeping those things at bay. A half an hour a day to exercise can be a challenge because of one obligation or another but when your health and life matters we should find the time. I’m sure an hour every other day for exercise is doable. The Minister should also point out that Diabetes is not a “fat man” or fat woman’s disease”. Plenty Hard Bony people have sugar also. Exercise is good diet is for good for everyone regardless of waistline, body type or structure!