“We have to be able to not just talk about exercise but we have to do the exercise and similarly we have to eat the right things” explained the Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health on the morning of September 21. The Minister was at the time speaking after the Caribbean Wellness Week’s Fitness walk. The walk, coordinated by the Disease Control- Non-Communicable Disease Department commenced at 6:00 AM from the Ministry of Health’s Healthquarters and ended at the National Park, Thomas Lands.
Dr Anthony alluded to diabetes and hypertension still being significant public health issues in Guyana. He stressed that the prevalence of the two diseases is still largely due to unhealthy lifestyle changes and dietary habits.
“When you look at our statistics, too many people are living with hypertension and diabetes, many of whom are unable to manage their illness”, he said. Dr Anthony who announced that the Ministry will be hosting a series of other fitness walks implored those present to encourage their family and friends to cultivate healthy lifestyles. Caribbean Wellness Day 2024 was observed on Saturday, 14, under the 2020-2024 theme, ‘Power through Collective Action’, and the 2024 sub-theme ‘Good Health is our Right!