Barbadians workout at World Health Day event

Barbadians were reminded of the importance of exercising regularly when the Ministry of Health on Saturday staged its “Fitness For All Mini Workout Marathon”.

This event was held to mark World Health Day 2018 and the 70th anniversary of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The large gathering at Oistins Bay Garden engaged in a variety of fitness activities including Zumba, aerobics and a fitness workout led by professional instructors. Also, there were Tai Chi and line dancing demonstrations.

Senior Health Promotion Officer with the Ministry of Health, Denise Charles Taylor said the day’s Mini Workout Marathon was co-sponsored by the National Task Force on Physical Activity and Exercise and the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Commission, both organisations of the Health Ministry.

She stated “the message that we wanted to spread to Barbadians is to practise healthy lifestyle habits, eat a good diet and exercise regularly.”

Charles Taylor added, “I think that we are making some inroads in terms of physical activity. We know that diet and nutrition are challenges so we have to continue to promote the message of good nutrition and encourage people to make healthy food choices and provide opportunities for them to learn how to practice healthy lifestyles.”

Health Minister, John Boyce and PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr. Godfrey Xuereb were among the attendees who took part in the fitness activities.

In his address, Dr. Xuereb explained what the World Health Day 2018 theme, “Universal Health Coverage, Everywhere, Everyone” meant. He also asked all present to encourage individuals they interact with to become healthier.

“As we become a healthier nation, we become a richer nation, we become a nation that can work better, produce better and can make Barbados also a wealthier and healthier nation,” he stated.