Photos: Celebrating Wellness At Victoria Park

September 13, 2012

The Department of Health hosted their event ‘Celebrating Wellness’, yesterday [Sept 12] at Victoria Park in Hamilton. The event was organized as part of Caribbean Wellness Day and the ongoing ‘Move More Bermuda’ campaign.

The public took part in Zumba, Jazzercise Lite, TRX, Line Dancing, Nordic Walking, Tai Chi, old fashioned games and more. There was free health screenings, giveaways and health information available from different tables set-up throughout the park. Food vendors were also on hand selling healthy food options.

Health Minister Zane De Silva spoke at the event saying, “This year’s theme focuses on children – specifically, ‘Building the Foundation for Healthy Lifestyles’ with programmes and interventions to address Non Communicable Diseases among children.

“Celebrating Wellness aims to encourage adults and children to exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle, and will highlight a number of simple lifestyle changes people can make to do so.

“It is our hope at the Ministry of Health that events like this one today will all aid in the promotion of healthy lifestyles for Bermuda’s residents.”

Minister De Silva’s full statement follows below:

Good afternoon everyone,

It is a pleasure to be here today for the Department of Health’s Celebrating Wellness event.

Celebrating Wellness is recognised as part of Caribbean Wellness Day 2012 [on September 8th], World Physiotherapy Day (on September 8th), and the ongoing ‘Move More Bermuda’ campaign – the aim of which is to promote the importance of incorporating physical activity into our lifestyles.

This year’s theme focuses on children – specifically, ‘Building the Foundation for Healthy Lifestyles’ with programmes and interventions to address Non Communicable Diseases among children.

Celebrating Wellness aims to encourage adults and children to exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle, and will highlight a number of simple lifestyle changes people can make to do so.

So, first of all, thank you to all of the organizations taking part which include

Argus,

BF&M,

Colonial,

Bermuda Heart Foundation,

Bermuda Diabetes Association,

Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre,

Open Airways, Athletic Club, Bermuda Physiotherapy Association and

many others.

Thank you also to organizers at The Department of Health as well as the Corporation of Hamilton with whom the Department has partnered for this event.

The benefits of physical activity are numerous and undeniable.

Physical activity is an essential component of maintaining good physical and mental health.

In combination with healthy eating, it can help prevent a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease and stroke – which are leading causes of death on the island.

Physical activity [especially when combined with healthy eating]:

helps control weight,

builds lean muscle,

reduces fat,

promotes strong bones,

aids in muscle and joint development and

decreases the risk of obesity.

The 2011 Adult Health Survey found that 67% of adults were overweight and obese (36% and 31%, respectively). The situation for children and adolescents is equally alarming and the global increase in childhood obesity can be seen locally.

It is vital that we halt, and indeed reverse, this growing trend of overweight and obese citizens in Bermuda.

The benefits of consuming a healthy diet and engaging in moderate levels of physical activity on a regular basis include a substantial reduction in the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

The costs of managing common, non-communicable diseases that are associated with physical inactivity account for a significant proportion of spending on healthcare.

Therefore, promoting physical activity can be a highly effective and sustainable public health intervention.

Furthermore, engaging in physical activity as a family can be a fun way to get everyone moving.

Studies have shown that those who feel supported by friends and families to become more active or are surrounded by others interested in physical activity are more likely to participate.

We should all be physically active each day; for a total of 60 minutes for children and 30 minutes for adults.

It is our hope at the Ministry of Health that events like this one today will all aid in the promotion of healthy lifestyles for Bermuda’s residents.

I encourage everyone here this evening to enjoy the selection of healthy food options available, to take of advantage of the free screenings on offer, and to try out the various activities available…and to have a good time Celebrating Wellness!

Thank You.