Brough, MA, MSc, PhD, consultant in pediatric allergy and head of service for Children’s Allergy Service at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said

He stated that men in the country do not seek help or do so in secret to combat this problem. He stated on the radio program El Poder de la Tarde that it is a typical problem that should not alarm men, but should draw attention to the issue. In another order, he noted that November is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and that the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan) reported 4,808 new diagnoses of this disease in the Dominican Republic in 2020.

He urged men over 40 to have their prostates checked to avoid this cancer, which is fatal if not treated in time. He also stated that on the 19th, beginning at 7:00 a.m., the Urology Society will hold a walk in the Botanical Garden to draw attention to the focus on prostate cancer.

A circular was issued by the hospital authorities, critiquing the attire of the employees, and stating that they would take corrective action against such employees.

Also Read:RML hospital to take action against officials for sharing hospital information with media

The circular, issued by additional medical superintendent Dheeraj Bahl, read, "The ABVIMS and RML Hospital strives to maintain a workplace environment that is well functioning and maintain a high standard of conduct and decorum. As part of that effort, the department requires employees to maintain a neat, clean, and formal appearance that is appropriate for the workplace setting." 

The order criticized the employees, particularly the young employees, for dressing casually to the office, saying that it is unexpected of them, as per a media report in the Indian Express. 

It further stated, "All the officers, senior residents, junior residents, and staff members should be attired in appropriate, formal, clean, modest, and decent clothes. Casual and party attire should be strictly avoided during appearance in the hospital."

Staff members not wearing appropriate attire would be subjected to corrective action and might be asked to leave the premises to change their clothes, reads the circular. 

Stating that employees supplied with uniform allowance are required to be on duty in their uniforms, the circular warned of disciplinary proceedings against those who fail to wear them. The circular added, "If an employee is found to be attending to duty without wearing uniform regularly, further supply of uniforms, as well as washing allowance, may be discontinued in addition to suitable disciplinary proceedings." 

Also Read:Do Not Leave Station: Rajindra Hospital authorities warns Doctors

Through that partnership, scores of Jamaicans in Kingston and St Andrew and St Ann have also received free health care.

According to Fabian Brown, chief executive officer of Value Added Services, the donation of medication and the free health care was motivated by the philosophy of giving people a hand up instead of a hand out.

The drugs, which Brown said has good shelf life, were brought into the country by Malloy University and PNR Relief International.

"We donated quite a bit of cancer drugs to support the need across the public sector. It was really a beautiful opportunity for us to be able to support the health sector. Whilst the need for the particular cancer medication was not extensive, it means that we would have been able to fulfil the need that exists through the donations.

"As it relates to these drugs, there is a comprehensive process where we have to submit expiry dates and quantities prior to them arriving in the island and the relevant personnel from the Ministry of Health met with the team at the airport so that customs could do their reference checks and due diligence to ensure there are no drugs coming in that are not approved for Jamaica and no drugs that are expired or near expired," Brown told the Jamaica Observer.

Malloy and PNR Relief International brought in other drugs as well, which they distributed to Government health facilities at recent health fairs.

"Community clinics were able to stock up with what may be considered run of the mill cough and cold medication. When the medical team comes to Jamaica, they come with approved drugs, sufficient to allow them to offer a full service," Brown said.

He noted that the medical teams have been coming to Jamaica for roughly 10 years to offer free health services.

As part of the health mission, the teams conducted screening to identify speech and hearing challenges, with a focus on children.

"We forged a partnership with the Hoolebury Primary School in Scarlet Hall in St Ann and the idea was to reach children especially, even though we catered to adults and the elderly. We sought to identify speech and hearing challenges and made the diagnosis and the necessary recommendations.

"As Jamaicans, often times speech and hearing challenges may exist at a very young age and we may reference them as just being stubborn or hard of hearing. What we are seeking to do is continue to partner with Malloy University to clinically diagnose where they are real issues and see how best we can treat with them."

Brown explained that sustainability has been at the centre of all its outreach programmes and shared that more partnerships with international organisations will be forged to continue impacting the lives of the less fortunate.

"We want to make sure that it is not just about feeling good and handing out some stuff and moving on. The relationship we've had with Malloy University and PRN Relief International was built over many years. There are partnerships with the Holy Cross Secondary School in Canada, what we call the Kingston to Kingston partnership.

"We absolutely will be continuing this partnership. We recognise that the impact we have made is significant but we also recognise that there is more work to be done. We are prepared. In March of next year, PRN and Malloy will be back in Jamaica for diagnosis, primary care and for surgical procedures. The Caribbean Footsteps partnership continues and we are also going to be expected to welcome the team from Canada again next year," added Brown.

WHO releases first data on global vaccine market since COVID-19

Cristina Mitchell

9 Nov 2022

The HCC has been supporting CIBC First Caribbean in executing various workplace wellness programs. The goal for the  Know Your Number Campaign is to raise awareness and increase detection of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. During the campaign the following health tests were conducted  for the CIBC First Caribbean staff members:

• Blood sugar testing
• Blood pressure testing
• Cholesterol testing
• Body Mass Index
• Body Weight
• Breast Screening (St Kitts and Nevis only)

During the KYN campaign over three hundred (300) persons received health checks.

Also as part of this campaign CIBC First Caribbean in collaboration with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition has produced a series of Health Check videos which can be viewed on the links below.

• Dr. Dawn Alleyne – Asthma
• Dr. Hanbal Yazigi – Cancer
• Dr. Timotheus Dohr – Diabetes
• Dr. Kenneth Connell – Hypertension
• Dr. Keo Forde-St. Hill – Mental Health

Here is a snippet of the HCC/FCIB Know Your Numbers Campaign.

Antigua and Barbuda (Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association)

Twenty- four members, 18 females (75%) and 6 males (25%), staff members were tested in Antigua at the CIBC/FCIB Old Parham Branch.  Participants were also provided with a form for self-assessment of risk for Type 2 Diabetes, an assessment tool created by the American Diabetes Association. Counseling was provided to staff who either had questions or any abnormal results.

Based on test results, the main concerns were overweight and obesity with reported weight gain especially during the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress was mentioned fairly often including work related stress.

The ABDA team recommends planning future screening programmes and consideration should be made to developing a workplace wellness programme to include stress management.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

Barbados (Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados)

Forty-four (44) employees were screened in Barbados for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI, and visceral fat.  Where adverse results were noted, individual consultations were done. Some clients were advised to seek medical attention due to their high blood pressure readings.

Overall, the Know Your Numbers initiative was proven to be successful, as the screening process exposed abnormally high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and BMI readings, which, before the event would have gone unnoticed. Many employees who were seen became apprised of the need to be more involved in the management of their NCD and the importance of screening and risk factor modification.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

Dominica (Dominica Diabetes Association)

In Dominica twenty-five (25) employees of the CIBC First Caribbean and their relatives received health checks.  Of the employees, DOMDA tested 5 males and 20 females within the age range of 23 and 59 years old.

From the screening, it was noted that more than 75% of the employees were living with a Non-Communicable Disease. Most common was obesity, followed by being overweight, and then Diabetes  and High Blood Pressure. Clients were rather surprised at their BMI and weight readings but with proper education, all were willing to improve their lifestyle.

Overall,  the  activity was a success. DOMDA recommends that future follow up sessions can be conducted for these employees and their relatives.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

Jamaica (Heart Foundation of Jamaica)

During the campaign seventy- nine 79 persons blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) health checks. Sixty-four (64) of which were females while fifteen (15) were males.

It is recommended that all persons with abnormal findings and those known to be diagnosed with NCDs schedule an appointment with HFJ’s Nutritionist and/or visit our  hypertensive/diabetic clinic. A three to six months checkup is also recommended for those with normal readings and not known to be diagnosed with the above mentioned conditions. A yearly cardiac checkup or otherwise indicated is also recommended as these conditions can place you at a higher risk for having a heart disease.

No photos were taken.

St Lucia (St. Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association)

A total of twenty-one (21) employees were screened for blood pressure, blood sugar, and body analysis by the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA) health

team, at the CIBC First Caribbean  Bridge Street branch. SLDHA screened nineteen (19) females and two (2) males. 48% (9) of persons had elevated BMI levels, 4.7% (1 person) had elevated blood sugars and 42.8% (9 persons had elevated blood pressure).

The education session was very interactive and well received by the staff.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

St Vincent (SVG Diabetes & Hypertension Association)

A total of nineteen (19) staff members took the opportunity to have their health screening done. There were thirteen (13) females and six males. Eighteen (18) people were evaluated for blood glucose. Fifteen (15, 83%) had normal values, while three (3) had prediabetes values.

Their findings were discussed as well as the relevant counseling, such as healthy lifestyle choices and modifications. The topics covered included healthy eating, physical activity, weight loss, stress management, and pamphlets given. Additionally, they were advised to monitor their blood pressure at home and follow up with screenings depending on their readings.  Those with abnormal findings were advised to see their doctor for further evaluation.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

The Bahamas (Healthy Lifestyle Team, HaLt)

The Healthy Lifestyles Team of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas hosted and facilitated the health checks of participants who presented themselves for health checks. Forty-six (46) participants received health checks and brief counseling regarding their results.  They were provided with weight, height, BMI, blood glucose, blood pressure and total cholesterol measurements and the results were documented and dated and presented to each participant for ease of reference. The exercise proved to be quite informative for the participants.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

Grenada (Grenada Food and Nutrition Council and SDA Health Ministries)

In Grenada the team conducted body composition Know Your Numbers assessments (weight, BMI, fat percentage, weight of muscle), blood pressure and blood sugar testing. Nutrition tips and counseling was also provided. A total of thirty (33) persons were seen (23 females and 10 males).

The health team encourages staff and their families to have regular health assessments as well as improve their eating habits so that they gradually make changes to a healthier lifestyle.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

St Kitts and Nevis ( Lake Health Wellbeing, Ministry of Health and International Cooperation Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF)

Eighteen  (18) persons were screened in St Kitts and Nevis. Of this total nine (9)  were male and nine (9)  were female. Twelve (12) persons also participated in the Breast Examination.

Staff members are encouraged to increase physical activity. The SKN Moves initiative and the healthy workplace challenge that the Ministry of Health has launched is a good place to start to help get staff moving.

It is also recommend that continuous health screenings of blood pressure, blood sugar, protein urea and BMI are done every 6 months to a year for persons who are not diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes; those who are diagnosed are encouraged to follow up with their general doctor monthly or as required. The Capacity Building Project of the Prevention and Control of Metabolic Chronic Diseases in the Ministry of Health can assist in the health screenings.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

Trinidad and Tobago (TTNCD Alliance/ Health Net)

The CIBC Know Your Numbers campaign was executed at CIBC’s Port of Spain, #74 Long Circular Road, Maraval and Chaguanas, Sun Plaza, Munroe Road, Chaguanas locations on Thursday 20th October from 9:00am to 12:00pm (simultaneously). Twenty-five (25) persons from each branch were tested.

The service provider, HealthNet, also allocated a doctor to the branches for on-location consultations for the participants. This additional service was welcomed as it added a wholesome approach to the initiative.

Click/tap on the images to view the photo gallery.

The post CIBC First Caribbean Regional Know Your Numbers (KYN) Campaign appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

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Rowe Porter, epidemiologist with the Ministry of Health, says with the country battling to reduce the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), it is just a matter of time before consumers get additional help in making healthy food choices through the introduction of front-of-package labelling (FOPL).

Non-communicable diseases — ailments that are not transferable by contact but developed through family genetics, degenerative changes, or unhealthy lifestyle habits — are the leading cause of death, with statistics indicating that an estimated seven out of 10 Jamaicans died from the four major NCDs — cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory disease — in 2018. FOPL is one solution being scouted by health officials and industry players as it indicates that an item may contain excessive amounts of sugars, total fats, saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.

"There is evidence that front-of-package-labelling works because persons need to be aware of what they are eating in those packaged foods. The ministry is clear that we want to have it. The issue is really what type because there are different types of presentations with front-of-package labelling and we have to in terms of what we decide on, determine what is best for Jamaica," Rowe Porter told Jamaica Observer
Monday Exchange forum.

A recent study on FOPL in Jamaica found that octagonal warning labels are best in helping local consumers make healthier food choices. Consumers said the octagonal warning presented them with the highest chance of correctly identifying when products were excessive in sugars, sodium, or saturated fats; led to them correctly identifying the least harmful option; and resulted in them choosing the least harmful or none of the products more often.

"There is data that is very clear regarding a certain type of front-of-package-labelling and we need to work with all our stakeholders to settle on the best type. I think it's really just a matter of time before we select the best type, but we need it. It's a matter of empowerment and education," Rowe Porter told the meeting.

"When you have it on the front versus the back it puts it squarely in your line of vision whether or not this is a healthy option for you, we are going there, we are getting there hopefully sooner than later," she added.

In the meantime, family physician Dr Jacqueline Campbell is emphasising that Jamaicans need to be taught how to read food labels in order to make better choices.

"I have so many patients that almost on a daily basis I have to tell them that you see this soda that you love and you drink two or three of them for the day, it's 17 teaspoons of sugar that you are drinking. So we [at the medical practice] have all the soda bottles and we actually put the right amount of sugar in [and place it on display], so if you see soda bottle X you will know that this is actually 17 teaspoons of sugar and we show the patients and they are usually like 'what? I am drinking so much?'," Dr Campbell shared.

"They consume that [many bottles] because it's cold and you have somebody who might be drinking two or three [bottles] for the day and 17 [multiplied by] three is a whole heap of teaspoons of sugar per day. That [level of education and explanation] is going to help persons to make the correlation for themselves why their sugar levels are so high," she told editors and reporters.

According to the family physician, once individuals come to recognise the importance of portions a change in behaviour will follow.

"That is the key thing for the patients, when you [show them] what the serving size is, then they realise that bottle [of beverage can be shared for two persons and more]. That is an 'aha' moment and we need to have more 'aha' moments for the patients so that it's not just an intellectual conversation about this disease…where it doesn't really sink in," she said.

The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) has, in the meantime, said while it supports the thrust of the ministry in this respect and supports the drive to have FOPL for the food and beverage sectors, the models of major trading partners should be included in the options available.

It has, however, taken issue with the PAHO-led campaign which is pushing for the Caribbean region to adopt the octagonal warning label system first introduced by Chile in June 2016. The JMEA, in noting that that system utilises high-in black warning labels, shaped like stop signs, for processed, pre-packaged food and drinks exceeding PAHO Nutrient Profile Model criteria limits for sugar, sodium, saturated fats, total fats and trans fats, pointed out that while that model is supposedly being considered by several countries, very few countries have introduced this type of warning label.

In pointing out that Jamaica sells many products through major trading partners such as the United States, neither that country, Canada or the United Kingdom uses the Chilean model among others.

It said evidence shows that although the Chilean model has been shown to change consumption, there has been no published evidence that it has changed the NCDs outcome.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer in an exclusive interview, director at HCJ Geoffrey Barrow also noted that the organisation will be pushing to highlight its services, as AIDS Awareness Month, which is recognised in December, approaches.

"HCJ will definitely be making sure that its presence is known. We are going to leverage the fact that HIV awareness is coming into the forefront of people's minds in order to ensure that people are aware of the services that we provide," said Barrow last Thursday.

"We hope that people who are actually in need of the service will become aware of us because once folks know about us, they come on board and are able to achieve that optimum level of health care they require," he said.

Pointing to the telemedicine option, which he said will be launched in a couple weeks, Barrow noted that it is well needed as patients will be able to have constant interactions with their health practitioners.

"This will reduce the burden of travelling to the health care, you can have a five or 10 minutes touch base over the phone, in a system that is very protective in terms of your health information. This has been one of the challenges in virtual health-care delivery to ensure that health-care data is actually protected and people feel and understand that people are not able to listen to their conversations and the data we collect is absolutely protected," he said.

Meanwhile, for the decentralised drug delivery, he noted that the HCJ partnered with two clinicians and eight patients in September. The service will be officially rolled out this fiscal period.

"Instead of the client going to the doctor, getting prescriptions, taking prescriptions, and going to the pharmacy, we have created this virtual where the information could be transferred without the client so that when the patient goes to the doctor's office, they can collect their medication at the same time," he said.

"We will be doing all the background work, collecting the medication, dropping it off at the doctor's office so that when the patient goes get their doctor visit, they can pick up their medication at the same time, thereby removing those travel and transportation costs," he said.

According to Barrow, lack of trust is a common issue identified among HIV patients, which HCJ is trying to address.

"For folks who might not have had great experiences prior to HCJ, we are trying to get them to trust the health system again. We are trying to change the services specifically for those clients to ensure that they are cared for, integrated in their own care, and that they know there are several different mechanisms that they can engage with in the health care system. We want to make sure they change their perspectives based on previous experiences," he said.

The HCJ is funded by the United States President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the United States Agency for International Development.