Let’s embrace the intent of the Wellness Revolution – Minister

by Dr. Douglas Slater 12.SEPT.08

A proper stocktaking of the conditions that challenged our Wellness brought us back to the holistic concept of Health or Wellness! It envisions certainly the lack of physical disease, but also more than that, it very much includes a balance of “feel good” mentally, emotionally, physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. All of this is included in what we may define as “wellness”.{{more}}

In order to achieve “wellness”, we believe that it’s necessary to actively promote health seeking behaviours in the holistic concept just described.

This requires a proper study, understanding, analysis of the factors and then implementation of the required actions. The studies and analysis have been done. It has determined that physical health burden is expressed in the main by a group of disease conditions known as Chronic Non – Communicable Diseases; these are responsible for over eighty percent (80%) of the illnesses and deaths among our population! They are probably accountable for an even greater percentage of our Health Care Budget of tens of millions of dollars. These diseases include the most well known or talked about, hypertension, diabetes, cancers and heart diseases and their many complications. But as suggested earlier, other conditions that impact on one’s mental health, the other non physical issues of wellness described are very significant.

Many of these conditions are lifestyle related, i.e may be impacted on by our diets, physical activities, attitudes, practices and behavior. Despite years of recognition by health administrators and professionals of the impact of these elements on health and wellness, we have not been able to effectively control these determinants. It is for this reason partly that our Prime Minister at the CARICOM Heads of Government Special Session to address this most important developmental issue coined the phrase “The Wellness Revolution”. Inherent in this phrase is the recognition of the need to approach wellness with a new impetus, a more aggressive, dynamic and positively different manner. One intended to improve each citizen’s participation either as individuals or as groups, which may include families, communities, and indeed at a national and regional level.

Let’s all embrace the intent of the “Wellness Revolution”. Its success is worthwhile and certainly desirable. Let’s do it together.