National

PAHO Wellness Retreat Reloaded

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Runners and walkers were up before dawn to participate in the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ Fun, Run, Walk, the start of a host of activities to get participants active.

Published

7 months ago

October 1, 2023

Jean Joseph

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Runners and walkers were up before dawn to participate in the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ Fun, Run, Walk, the start of a host of activities to get participants active.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Timothy Munnings – an Olympian who has had his fair share of first-place finishes, says in order for The Bahamas to move from the front of the pack of countries with non-communicable diseases, we must get in shape.

Road Warriors like Ele Bethell welcomed the events and are looking forward to future editions. Bethell says he enjoys walking now that he’s getting a little older, as weights and running are now more challenging.

According to Pan-American Health Organisation statistics, six of every ten Bahamians are overweight or obese. The numbers also show that one in every eight individuals has some form of diabetes. Consequently, The Bahamas leads the Americas in premature deaths with a total of 325 deaths per 100,000 – 43.1 percent more than the entire region.

Former Member of Parliament for Tall Pines Leslie Miller says an active lifestyle is a part of his routine, and he enjoys the weekend road races.

Healthy Bahamas Coalition’s Health Education & Promotion Officer Kaj Archer, says the coalition will also be targeting public servants in their mission to create a healthier Bahamas.