EDITORIAL: Take charge of your health

Very often, there is more than one way to find a solution to a problem. When the problem is poor health, then regardless of the various approaches to solving this problem, the only one constant is that you have the final say.

For instance, the issue of the “sweet drink tax” became a talking point after being proposed by Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler. This excise tax on “carbonated soft drinks, juice drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices and others” was soundly 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’”.

This paper agreed 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, as stated earlier, your life is in your 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.

Lack of physical activity

One of the areas where this is glaringly apparent is with the issue of exercise. By now everyone is aware of the need for regular exercise and its importance to achieving and maintaining a healthy body.

There have been and still are several advertisements promoting physical activity. Government has even established the National Task Force on Physical Activity, which hosts occasional public exercise sessions and encourages group efforts in the communities.

One group in St. Andrew even started a low-cost fitness class – for only $3 a class, and failing that, there is always the option of taking a free walk around the neighbourhood. All this shows that the information is there and the opportunity is there, for people to exercise more often.

Yet, there is still a major problem with obesity due to a sedentary lifestyle and a host of other ailments related to a 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.