EDITORIAL

In December 2016, the Barbados Postal Service started a stamp issue to pay tribute to Barbadians who had reached the milestone of 100 years. Entitled ‘Centenarians of Barbados’, it honoured 27 centenarians – some still alive at the time. It was noted then that there was a steady stream of interest and persons coming in to purchase the stamps.

It is no surprise, the interest sparked by such an event. Indeed, while Barbados does not have many natural resources, we can proudly boast of living in a country that has one of the highest rates of centenarians in the world.

However, it is a statistic we may not keep for much longer in the 21st century because startling data indicate that approximately 30 per cent of school-aged children are overweight or obese. Unfortunately, the trend is no better for the adults, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) so fatal and expensive that they cause 70 per cent of deaths and make up 70 per cent of the health budget.

The world is struggling with this epidemic and for varying reasons, many are not absorbing the messages. Locally, workplace wellness initiatives, education in schools and public service announcements have been launched along with themed walk/runs to promote exercise hand-in-hand with healthy living.

Those with ears have heard, but the statistics show a sizeable portion of the target audience – the obese and overweight – are not onboard with the programme. It is estimated that 74 per cent of women and 55 per cent of men are obese or overweight, which is an optimal condition to contract a NCD. Poor health/death by lifestyle is a phenomenon attributable to this modern era, as most nations in the world suffer from high ranges of obesity rates in their child and adult populations.

When Barbados was recently declared the fifth unhealthiest nation in the world on the Indigo Wellness Index – a listing that measured ‘blood pressure, depression, obesity, inactivity, and binge drinking’ – some scoffed at the notion. It seems clear, however, as many contend, that we are literally eating ourselves to death.

Perhaps the time has come to be more exacting. Scientists worldwide have warned that developing countries’ economic growth is being threatened by an anticipated cardiovascular epidemic if obesity rates continue as they are or rise. NCDs can rapidly erode the progress our country has made over our 52 years of Independence, and it can certainly eat into the contributions that a healthy workforce should be making to sustain the quality of life of elderly persons. It is frightening that a third of our youth are burdened by poor health that could plague them into adulthood.

We must be proactive and realistic by introducing practical, healthy meal plans that work on the overstretched budgets, as well as easy-to-manage and affordable exercise programmes that fit in with lifestyles and time constraints. Inspired adults can by extension lead other members of their families – especially their children – to healthier lives, an advantage that redounds to the state’s benefit and reduces the huge health bill we currently manage.

The message we have to convey is simple: take charge of one’s health, for better quality of life, and for a better future for the country.