EDITORIAL - Be more proactive about your health

Election day in Barbados is tomorrow and the national focus for the last few weeks has been strictly political, but other issues hold concern for the Barbadian public and personal health is one that has long been a priority.

This country has consistently pushed healthy lifestyles, regardless of which administration is in power. Admittedly, the Democratic Labour Party in its last two terms has stepped up efforts to reduce health care costs by being proactive and introducing campaigns to encourage healthier living. For instance, the “sweet drink tax” proposed by Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler, in a past Budget speech, was a 10 per cent excise tax on “carbonated soft drinks, juice drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices and others”. This tax was defended by Health Minister John Boyce, who stated that “new evidence emerging suggests taxing food high in salt and sugar ‘had good public health benefits’”.

There was also the establishment of the National Task Force on Physical Activity, which hosts occasional public exercise sessions and encourages group efforts in the communities; and the National Non-Communicable Diseases Commission, which is chaired by Sir Trevor Hassell.

This paper agrees with the fact that something needs to be done to improve the overall health of this nation and lessen the burden on the government’s health care system, and in the past has even suggested strategies, including educational campaigns and penalties, all aimed at changing bad lifestyle behaviours, especially in this country’s youth. Other possible adjustments include reviewing patient care, with more emphasis on preventative and holistic care, instead of a heavy reliance on pharmaceutical treatment, which may be more costly.

However, each person hold’s their life in their own hands. Regardless of what measures are put in place, what penalties and taxes are imposed, what information is disseminated or what advice is given, each person has to make the choice themselves and follow their own path. A major problem with obesity due to a sedentary lifestyle is that it can result in a host of other ailments related to lack of physical activity. Barbadians are constantly being told how important it is to take care of their health. Yet, there is only so much that talk can do.

It is time that people sit up and pay attention, and take charge by living healthier lifestyles. It is not Government’s responsibility to keep you healthy, it is your life and your responsibility. There should be no excuses. Therefore, take that first step, however small, and keep making the right choices, one decision at a time, one day at a time. Eventually, all the hard work will pay off and the result will be a long, healthy
life.

In the meantime, take these last few hours to educate yourself on the policies proposed by political candidates and parties, especially those related to health care, and see which ones would benefit not only yourself, but the country on the whole. Let this information inform your decision, remembering that in the final analysis we must all put aside personal gain do what is the best for the country and future generations.