Sagicor hosts ‘Go Red for Women’ event

Sagicor Life Inc. Barbados is playing its part in the fight against heart disease on the island, especially as it pertains to women.
To this end, the insurance company hosted a “Go Red for Women” event at its Belleville location yesterday afternoon, under the theme “Our Heart Beats For Women’s Health”.

Persons who were conducting business in the customer service area had the opportunity to consult with the registered nurse present and get some free health checks.

“Today is part of a collaborative, joint effort between our Customer Experience Department and the Sagicor Group Life and Health Department,” explained Wellness Nurse for Sagicor Life Inc., Rosanna Springer.

“Heart disease is the number one killer for females so what we’re doing is educating our clients and our customers as they come to visit the Barbados branch about heart disease.

“What we are doing today is focusing on ‘Go Red For Women’ – which is promoted during the month of February – helping women in the fight against heart disease [and stroke]... We’re doing blood pressure checks and weight checks and I’m educating clients and also staff members... about heart disease and giving them health tips about how they can prevent and lower their risks for developing this condition.”

She added that the goal is to get ladies to pay more attention to their health and to get their family members to do the same as well.

Springer highlighted that although the main focus on the day centred around women’s health, taking care of your body applies to everyone. Lamenting the fact that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a problem for everyone, especially in our community, she stated that the aim is to encourage persons to have routine physicals done and to keep a close watch on their blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

“For females we always stress having your mammograms and Pap smears done; and for males we try to encourage them to have their prostate examination done also.” (LS)