HEALTH FAIR, DIABETES SYMPOSIUM PROVIDE INFORMATION, SERVICES
The Gloria Johnson Hall at The Moneague College was transformed into an examination and screening room for health services, information, and presentations on diabetes and its treatment.
The activities at the college in Moneague, St Ann, on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, were part of a Diabetes Symposium and Health Fair, under the theme “Diabetes and Well Being”
(Principal of The Moneague College Howard Isaacs, left thanks Tony Kelly following his presentation on his life experience with diabetes).
The event included free tests, screening for various ailments, and handing out of health-related brochures. Representatives from the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA), the National Health Fund (NHF) and the Sexual Reproductive Health Facilitation Unit in the Ministry of Health handed out educational material and communicated with people seeking assistance. The day’s activities also included consultation with a doctor, lecture presentations, and a panel discussion.
(A bouquet, presented by Guidance Counsellor Lodian Brown, saying thanks to the NEHRA staff who were on hand all day)
Presenters in the morning session included Shawnett Kerr, Program Coordinator, Life for a Child, Diabetes Association of Jamaica. She was followed by Sanasha Pearson who spoke on the services of the National Health Fund (NHF).
Several people interviewed by the North Coast Times indicated that they were from nearby communities and were using the opportunity to benefit from the services available. Odel Brown from Swamp, Moneague, said he heard of the health fair and wanted to get advice and check on his blood pressure. He said he had gone to the clinic in Moneague and was following the doctor’s advice and orders but was being very careful and the additional checks at the Health Fair would help.
(Medical Officer for the Claremont Health District, Dr Crystal Binns Lee during the Panel Discussion)
The main presentation for the day was by Tony Kelly who is considered an activist or diabetes strategic patient partner. Mr Kelly was born in the UK but grew up in St Thomas before returning to his birthplace. He highlighted his remembrance of early contact in St Thomas with people who had diabetes.
(Administering health tests)
He stressed that now, as a diabetic, with the knowledge he has acquired, to him diabetes is a medical condition and not a disease. His lecture, packed with statistics and drawing on his wide experience in giving lectures as a diabetes advocate, highlighted the fact that for 20 years he has lived a normal life without medication. However, he had made the necessary lifestyle changes including being careful about what and how much he consumed while pursuing an active life. He urged all persons, especially men to get checked for diabetes.
Following the presentation there was a brief panel discussion with panellists being Dr Crystal Binns Lee, medical officer for the Claremont Health District, and Tricia Bryan Lewis NERHA Nutritionist.
Principal of The Moneague College Howard Isaacs said the Symposium and Health Fair was just another way of giving back to the community and sharing knowledge.
(A section of the audience during the panel discussion on diabetes)
Andrick Perry, lecturer was chair.
Event partners were NERHA, the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, and the National Health Fund.
IRIE FM, in an outside broadcast, carried a section of the symposium and health fair which was also streamed live by the college.
