The HNI Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Healthier Nation Initiative co-founded by Sheldon Jones, has been working to uplift lower socio-economic areas across the island and the Caribbean. Its mission is to deliver accessible and sustainable healthcare services to those struggling with economic disadvantages.

“The foundation’s mandate is to provide practical, accessible, and sustainable health and wellness solutions to vulnerable populations in lower socio-economic communities in Barbados and the wider region,” Jones explained. Unlike many organisations that solely offer education, HNI takes a more hands-on tack. “While education is essential, we found that economic factors significantly impact a person’s ability to act on that education.”

To bridge this gap, the foundation brings free exercise programmes, medical testing through partnerships with Ross University, and collaborative efforts offering health services directly to communities at little to no cost. “We’re bringing solutions into the community, ensuring that even those in high-risk categories have access to the resources they need to manage their health better,” Jones added.

The foundation has identified key demographics in significant need of assistance, including single mothers, the elderly and disabled persons – groups often at higher risk for diseases. By conducting wellness checks and providing fitness programmes and health packages, HNI aims to manage and mitigate these risks through close cooperation with community leaders.

At an outreach event in Hillaby, St Andrew, residents began arriving from 7.30 a.m., for the 8 a.m. start. Jones praised the collaborative approach: “Our team deserves full credit. We aimed to create a more community-focused approach, less corporate, and more personal.”

He highlighted the vital roles played by community liaison officers Rosemary Clarke and Gillian Marshall in personally engaging with local leaders, as well as project officer Carl Griffith’s organisational efforts. “Our approach, centred on personal engagement, makes a significant difference. It transforms HNI from a nameless, faceless entity into a group of people genuinely interested in the community’s well-being.”

The partnership with Ross University was also hailed as a “godsend”, with representatives ensuring free, comprehensive medical checks through the involvement of students. Jones emphasised the aim of empowering people to take charge of their health: “It’s not that difficult to be healthy. It requires intentionality, just like any other goal. Health is based on movement, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups.”

While the outreach saw an impressive turnout, with up to 30 people at a time, quality remained the focus. “It’s about providing thorough, meaningful checks to a targeted group,” said Jones. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Looking ahead, HNI has ambitious plans for regional expansion to territories like Antigua and Grenada this year, aided by a partnership with financial services giant Sagicor. Jones emphasised the importance of sustainability and follow-up assessments to gauge the effectiveness of their interventions over time.

He also highlighted the need to combat increasingly sedentary modern lifestyles: “Movement is crucial, yet often overlooked. Many jobs today are sedentary, contributing to health risks. As a personal trainer, I emphasise that exercise doesn’t mean going to a gym—it’s about finding enjoyable activities to stay active.”

For those inspired by HNI’s work, Jones offered this message: “Improving your quality of life is simpler than it seems. Small changes in diet and regular movement can make a big difference. Find activities you enjoy staying active and make balanced dietary choices. Even minor adjustments can significantly enhance your health and well-being.”

The post Health charity’s hands-on approach appeared first on Barbados Today.

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The Division of Births, Deaths, and Marriages at the Ministerial Complex will be closed from today, Wednesday, 22 May 2024 until further notice

View the full post Temporary closure of Division of Births, Deaths, and Marriages on NOW Grenada.

BRIDGETOWN – A recent study has found that despite modest improvements on last year, food insecurity in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean remains persistently higher than pre-pandemic levels, driven by the cost-of-living crisis, global economic volatility and the lingering impacts of the pandemic. The Caribbean Food Security and Livelihoods Survey, carried out jointly by the ...

Women of African descent are more likely to be affected by a stroke in their lifetime because they are more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes, to be overweight or obese or have sickle cell anemia and over-consume salt

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Dr Alvis noted that avoiding places, people and situations are very common behaviours of a person with anxiety

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This is where Tameka Jones comes in. She is one of the phlebotomists with the Blood Collection Centre of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Located in Jemmotts Lane, Ladymeade Garden, a stone’s throw from the Winston Scott Polyclinic, the pale blue building is home to the national blood bank.

Jones is on a mission to dispel fears and encourage more Barbadians to donate blood. Her insights reveal not only the challenges faced by the blood bank but also the crucial role of community involvement in maintaining a steady blood supply.

“There’s a significant fear of giving blood among Barbadians, and it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why,” she told Barbados TODAY. “The biggest reason people give is their fear of needles. It’s understandable — needles can be daunting — but really, it’s just one small prick. That initial prick might cause a little stinging sensation, but it doesn’t last throughout the donation process. Once you get over that first prick, you’re good to go.”

Despite the efforts to normalise blood donation, the blood bank routinely appeals for donors. Jones acknowledges this ongoing struggle: “We need a constant supply of blood available for surgeries, injuries, and other medical needs. We want more people to come in voluntarily, not just when a family member or friend needs blood. This helps us maintain a stable supply and be prepared for any situation.”

Jones admits it’s hard to provide a specific number of the ideal supply levels. “The blood bank has a quota they aim to maintain. Whenever we approach that minimum level, we put out an appeal. It’s crucial to always have enough blood on hand to meet our needs.”

She recently participated in an initiative at the Golden Square Freedom Park – a health screening fair put on by the Rotary Club of Barbados along with Ricky Wilson, the unit’s ‘Blood Ambassador’ – holder of the record for the most consistent donor.

Jones aims to give Wilson more companions. “Our goal is to get more people to donate voluntarily. Currently, we mostly see replacement donors — those who donate to a specific person in need. If we have more voluntary donors, we wouldn’t face shortages when emergencies arise,” she said.

For his part, Wilson is a resolute pillar of advocacy in the realm of blood donation. He dedicates his time to spreading awareness and encouraging voluntary blood donations.

“My journey began in sixth form at [Harrison] College,” he recalled. “One of our classmates was involved in a hit-and-run accident, and the headmaster asked for volunteers over 18 to donate blood. We were eager to skip classes but also scared. Surprisingly, the experience was far more positive than we anticipated. Since then, I’ve been a regular donor.”

Reflecting on his long-term commitment, the public servant added: “I’ll be 62 this year and have given blood over 130 times. My next donation will likely be on June 14th, World Blood Donor Day, when the Blood Collection Centre holds a special drive.”

His extensive experience makes him an ideal advocate. “The process is straightforward and safe,” he explained. “You fill out a questionnaire, get a small pinprick to check your platelet count, and once you’re cleared, they take your blood pressure. The area is sterilised, and then you’re hooked up to donate. It takes about 10-15 minutes to fill a bag.

“After donating, you rest for 15 minutes, have some juice and biscuits, and then you’re good to go. The entire process takes about 45 minutes. It’s a small-time commitment for a significant impact—you can potentially save up to three lives with one donation.”

Acknowledging that people are often frightened of needles and worry about the safety of the process, he added: “It’s one of the safest procedures, thanks to rigorous protocols ensuring both donor and recipient safety. There used to be fears about STIs and STDs, but those concerns are mitigated by strict screening and testing of all blood donations.”

Wilson pointed to the importance of voluntary donors over replacement donors, who donate to specific individuals.

“We aim to increase the number of voluntary donors to maintain a steady blood supply without urgent appeals. Ideally, we’d love to have at least one blood donor in every family,” he said.

“We use special drives like World Blood Donor Day to attract new donors and encourage them to return regularly. Even donating twice a year can make a huge difference.”

The Blood Collection Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Some practical advice for donors: it is best to eat something and drink plenty of fluids before coming.

Wilson assured: “The well-trained and knowledgeable team is there to make the process as smooth as possible.”

The post Blood brothers and sisters: Unit seeks more donors appeared first on Barbados Today.

Santo Domingo.- With the aim of providing a comprehensive and safe healthcare environment for its patients, the Medical Center for Diabetes, Obesity, and Specialties (CEMDOE) has officially commenced the expansion of its services. This expansion, with an approximate investment of 22 million dollars, will include a modern emergency and stabilization area, as well as hospitalization services and an intensive care unit, providing a complete medical care environment.

Mariela Vicini, founder of CEMDOE, expressed that “the addition of these new services reflects our unwavering commitment to offer the most comprehensive care, covering all the needs of our patients and accompanying them in every step of their recovery.”

Furthermore, this expansion will also add more than 30 new beds, 4 high-complexity operating rooms, an endoscopy room, and a hemodynamics unit, significantly increasing the medical center’s capacity for care. Additionally, this includes expanding support services such as sterilization central, hospital laundry, among others.

“This expansion symbolizes our continuous effort to provide not only comprehensive healthcare but also safe in all aspects,” states Dr. Gastón Gabin, CEO of CEMDOE. “As the first medical center in the Dominican Republic accredited by the Joint Commission International, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety, now towards its hospital version, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible care in an environment that supports their well-being.”

In addition to the inclusion of these new services, CEMDOE continues to invest in digitalization through its digital medical record, which evolves at the hospital level and will allow comprehensive and coordinated patient care in all the healthcare services offered by the center, optimizing the quality and efficiency of care.

To date, CEMDOE offers more than 40 clinical specialties, through which they have impacted 80,000 patients in healthcare. Additionally, it generates more than 400 direct and indirect jobs, and with this expansion, more than 150 additional jobs are expected. This not only strengthens the operational capacity of the center for quality patient care but also contributes to the development of the healthcare sector in the country.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. — with one in five Americans developing the disease by the age of 70.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, expected to take the lives of more than 8,200 people in the U.S. this year.

This May, for Skin Cancer Awareness Month, two melanoma patients are sharing their stories of how they overcame this invasive form of the disease.

SKIN CANCER CHECKS AND SUNSCREEN: WHY THESE (STILL) MATTER VERY MUCH FOR GOOD HEALTH

One even wrongly assumed that what she was experiencing "was just a normal part of aging and sun exposure." Here's what others can learn.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce the skin’s pigmentation (color).

Most cases — but not all — are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Melanoma can affect people of all skin tones and types.

"Melanoma is one of the most common type of cancer in younger patients," Nayoung Lee, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, told Fox News Digital.

The prognosis is "very good" when melanoma is detected early, but the survival rate falls steeply when it is detected at a more advanced stage, she noted. 

"Melanoma can spread through the bloodstream to your lymph nodes and distant organs, so it is crucial to do regular skin exams to try to catch it at an early stage," Lee said.

Abby Weiner, 43, a wife and mother of three young boys living in Washington, D.C., had always been careful about protecting her skin from the sun — which is why her Oct. 2023 melanoma diagnosis was such a shock, she said.

"I had a spot on my cheek that started as a freckle and began getting darker and larger," she told Fox News Digital. 

"I assumed it was just a normal part of aging and sun exposure."

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Weiner’s sister encouraged her to get it checked out — which led to a biopsy and diagnosis. 

"I was obviously shocked and frightened at first," said Weiner.  

Her melanoma was removed using Mohs surgery, a procedure in which thin layers of skin are removed one at a time. 

"I required two procedures to remove the cancer and surrounding margins," she said. "Now, most people don't even know I had surgery."

To others, Weiner’s advice is to remember to seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis all year long. 

"I thought I was careful about protecting myself from sun exposure by wearing a hat or applying sunscreen when my family was at the pool or planning to be outdoors — but if we were eating outdoors and there wasn't a table in the shade, I would end up sitting in the sun."

Now, Weiner said she will wait a little longer for a shaded table, and she always keeps a hat and sunscreen with her.

"My sons used to have difficulty applying sunscreen and wearing hats, but now that they've seen the impact skin cancer had on me, they are more cooperative," she said.

CANCER SCREENINGS: HERE ARE 5 TYPES AND CRITICAL INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT EACH

Weiner also recommends that everyone gets yearly skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist. 

"I have so many friends — and even my sister, who probably saved my life — who didn't regularly see a dermatologist for a yearly skin check before they learned about my melanoma."

Steve Murray, 68, of the greater Washington, D.C. area, has worked in construction for several decades. 

During his childhood, Murray spent summers at the beach in Ocean City, New Jersey, and winter visits to Florida, where he was exposed to the sun and didn’t do much to protect himself.

In the late 1990s, Murray was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma, a variation of skin cancer that tends to develop in people who have had a lot of sun exposure.

In 2008, he was diagnosed with melanoma.

"My initial symptoms included itching and scaling on my head, followed by irritation," he told Fox News Digital. 

"Then there was discoloration and irregularity in the shape of my moles."

Initially, Murray feared the worst — "mainly death" — but his dermatologist determined that the melanoma was only on his scalp and hadn’t traveled to his lymph nodes.

Like Weiner, Murray had Mohs surgery to get rid of the cancer — and he was cleared.

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Since that diagnosis, Murray has had several more bouts of skin cancer.

In 2024, he underwent two surgeries for squamous cell carcinoma on his hand and back. 

Now, Murray visits the dermatologist every three to six months. Also, he always wears a hat, sunscreen and long sleeves whenever possible to protect himself from the sun.

Murray’s advice to others is to make sun protection a priority when outdoors.

"You don’t notice at the time of initial exposure, but it haunts you later in life when you start developing pre-cancers and skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma that require immediate attention," he told Fox News Digital.

"Capturing these pre-cancers and cancers of the skin must be diagnosed early with regular checkups," he added. "Failure to do so could lead to death."

Dr. Lee of NYU Langone Health shared five tips to help prevent potentially deadly skin cancers like melanoma.

"Avoiding a burn is really only half the battle — there is no such thing as a base tan," Lee said. "Damaged skin is damaged skin."

For a safer way to achieve a sun-kissed glow on your first beach day of the summer, Lee recommends using self-tanning products.

When applying sunscreen, Lee recommends using 1 ounce, which would fill a shot glass. 

IF YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN HAVE FRECKLES, HERE'S WHAT YOUR SKIN IS TRYING TO TELL YOU

"It should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 and say ‘broad-spectrum’ on the label, which protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays," she said. 

Reapply at least every 80 minutes, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

Physical sunscreen contains zinc or titanium, which is superior in efficacy to chemical sunscreen, according to Lee.

"Check your skin regularly so you know what’s normal and to notice any changes or new growths," Lee advised. 

"Seek a dermatologist’s evaluation if you notice a changing, bleeding or persistently itchy spot."

This is the best way to determine if any mole or blemish is cancerous, according to Lee. 

The ABCDE rule tells you what to look for when examining your skin. 

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The A stands for asymmetrical. "Noncancerous moles are typically symmetrical," Lee said. 

B is for border, as the border of a cancerous spot or mole may be irregular or blurred. 

C stands for color. "A typical mole tends to be evenly colored, usually a single shade of brown," Lee noted. 

"Not all melanomas are dark and scary-appearing. They can be amelanotic, which means they can be more skin colored or pink."

D stands for diameter of the spot or mole, which may be a warning sign if it’s larger than 6 millimeters, according to Lee.

If the spot is evolving, which is what E stands for, it might be of concern.

Lee added, "Because melanomas can vary in appearance, it is important to see a dermatologist regularly for skin exams if you have a history of significant sun exposure, have many atypical appearing moles, or a family or personal history of melanoma so that you have an experienced set of eyes looking at any spots of concern."

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