Health

The Pink ribbon Charity has declared that its Feet for Life Podiatry Clinics was a resounding success. Last week the Charity provided specialist foot care services to 165 patients, and promoted awareness of foot care for diabetics and non diabetics. The programme began on Tuesday, 20 October, with a well-attended community awareness session at the Davy Hill Community Centre, facilitated virtually by Angela Davis, a UK-trained podiatrist based in Jamaica. The interactive session highlighted the importance of foot health and encouraged residents to register for the upcoming clinics. The Feet for Life Podiatry Clinics were held from 26–30 October, with three and a half days dedicated to patient consultations. The visiting team comprised Angela Davis, Abid Hussain, Dr Jane Lewis and Tausif Muhammad. A contribution of EC$100 was requested from patients to assist with operational expenses. Consultations were provided free of charge to persons in care homes and to individuals in the community who were unable to afford the contribution, ensuring that financial circumstances did not prevent access to care. Despite the limited clinical time, the team made a significant contribution. During their 5 and a half day visit, the podiatry team also enjoyed two half-day excursions to the Montserrat Volcano Observatory and Plymouth, followed by a final full day on Saturday Oct 31st exploring the island’s beaches and participation in the Pink Ribbon Charity Walk for Cure which attracted 250 plus walkers. Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat Inc. extends sincere appreciation to the visiting podiatry team, Her Excellency the Governor, the Ministry of Health, the Montserrat Diabetes Association, business places and community supporters. Special thanks are extended to UK podiatry suppliers Canonbury, Cuxson Gerrard and DLT for donating consumables valued at thousands of pounds; British Airways for providing goodwill baggage allowances to transport podiatry supplies; Kenzie’s Shipping UK for arranging the shipment of instruments and consumables donated by UK Podiatrist Sarah Dainter and local airlines SVG and Fly Montserrat for their support with free and discounted tickets. Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat Inc. encourages individuals, businesses and community organisations to support its ongoing fundraising efforts through the Steps Sponsorship initiative. Contributions will help the charity continue its mission of ensuring that residents of Montserrat have affordable and timely access to specialist podiatry services. The charity says it remains committed to facilitating initiatives that improve access to specialist healthcare and to empower residents to take an active role in maintaining their health.

Minister for Health in Antigua and Barbuda is fulsome in his praise for the just concluded meeting of OECS Health Ministers in Montserrat. Michael Joseph said under the leadership of Montserrat’s Minister of Health Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, the sub-regional block is taking a unified approach in tackling health challenges such as child health and non-communicable diseases. He stated that he was confident that the decisions taken at the meeting will strengthen the health sector in all the member states. He stated that coming out of this meeting, “I have great hope and anticipation on the decisions that we’ve made, that every time we meet and every time we make an agreement, that it’s strengthen each and every one of our health sector because what we’ve identified is that it doesn’t matter if it’s Antigua, it’s St. Kitts, it’s Montserrat, we will never all have the capacity to do what we need for anything, whether it’s education, health, social, disaster, it doesn’t matter.” Joseph noted that “what we did achieve is that collectively, in strengthening our collective parts, we were part of a bigger machinery that supports each other. So we spoke about how does Antigua and Barbuda build that relationship to support Montserrat? How do we build that relationship to support St. Kitts and using our bilateral partnerships and our relationships to leverage because we have our own opportunities but we have our own challenges.”

Five nurse leaders from the Montserrat Nurses Association are attending the 34th Caribbean Nurses Organization (CNO) Conference in St. Kitts this week. The delegation comprises Nurses Nadine Sweeney-Duberry, Noleen Meade, Lystra Fagan, Jeanette Brade and Denelda Henry. The conference, being held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino from October 23rd to 31st, will convene under the theme, “Sustaining Nursing Excellence: Advancing Human, Scientific and Technological Innovations in Care.” The biennial gathering brings together nurses and nursing leaders from across the Caribbean to share knowledge, exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and advance nursing across the region. This year’s programme includes keynote presentations, interactive workshops, discussions on best practices, networking opportunities, an exhibition showcasing innovations in nursing and healthcare and Cultural and social activities.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services advises the public of an increase in acute respiratory infections (ARI) on island. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves, their families and the wider community. Know the symptoms Symptoms may include cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, fever, body aches, nausea and vomiting and tiredness. Help prevent the spread Stay home when unwell Stay home from work, school and social gatherings while unwell. Parents and caregivers should keep children with respiratory symptoms at home and away from day care centres and schools, Resume normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms have been improving overall and you have been fever-free without using fever-reducing medication. Continue extra precautions, including masking, good hygiene and ventilation, for the next five days. Rest, drink fluids regularly and monitor your symptoms. Know when to seek care Seek immediate medical attention for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion or difficulty waking. Contact a healthcare provider promptly if symptoms worsen or fail to improve, or if a child has reduced drinking, fewer wet nappies or unusual sleepiness. Older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems should seek medical advice early. For advice, contact your nearest health centre: Glendon Hospital: 491-2552 / 491-2802 Protect yourself. Protect your family. Help prevent the spread.

The Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat is calling for unity in compassion, hope and shared commitment to supporting those affected by breast cancer. This call comes at the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed annually during October. In a message, President of the Charity, Sonia Charles reflected on the significance of the month, encouraging persons to make their support visible through action. She shared that events in October are in “honour of those who have lost their lives, stand beside those undergoing treatment, celebrate survivors, recognise the families, caregivers, healthcare workers who offer support every day.” The charity invites persons to support the following activities: Wednesday, October 28, at 3pm on ZJB Radio for Talking Health with the Health Promotions Unit. Wednesday, October 28 – Charity Dinner from 6.30pm. Friday, October 30 – Pink Friday Saturday, October 31st – Annual Charity Walk.