THE Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) is set to host its historical health exposition, today, where over 60 booths will showcase varying elements of health care delivery along Main Street, New Amsterdam.

The expo will commence at 15:00 hrs, followed by a cultural presentation four hours later.

Speaking at a press briefing at the BRHA complex at Fort Canje, Special Projects Coordinator Ms. Melissa Ramdeen noted that while the theme is ‘Stay Strong, Live Long’, the main objective is to encourage Berbicians to practise healthy lifestyles.

“We are trying to educate people in that direction, to let them know what are some of the things that they need to caution themselves about, and what are some of the necessary steps they need to take for themselves in order to ensure that they live longer, in a healthy manner,” she said.

“We know many people living with diabetes and some who would have had amputations done, so the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre will be here to educate us,” Ramdeen added.

She pointed out that, among other participating agencies are several Non-Governmental bodies, the health institutions in the region, the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Guyana Marketing Corporation, Massay Industries formerly AINLIM , Sterling Products Limited, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, and the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), together with several fun booths which will include face painting for children, and a kids quiz booth, hosted by BRHA.

Additionally, Meditron, a company which sells medical equipment, will have on display several pieces of apparatus which persons can access for their private use, such as blood pressure machine.

And to add a treat for the attendees, glucose monitors will be distributed freely to early visitors.
Meanwhile, BRHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, recalled that the event, formerly a health fair, is being hosted after a two year absence.

“We have recognised that a healthy nation costs less on the taxpayers. Health, like religion cuts across boundaries – old, young, disabled, healthy. It cuts across all races , and it has no politics. We feel that the more educated the population is, the more they will take care of themselves; and not only themselves, but also those who are dear to them; and in the long run, we will have fewer people to treat,” he posited. (Jeune Bailey)