At the Ministry’s Health Fair
The need for behaviour change was main message advanced yesterday at the Health Ministry’s Health Fair held on Brickdam in the city
A section of the street, ending at College Road, was cordoned off by law enforcement officials as children and youths, as well as adults, lined the street curiously drifting among tents set up with attendants encouraging them to live healthier lives.
Participants of yesterday’s health fair included representatives of the Guyana National Road Safety Council, the Red Cross, the Guyana Police Force, the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA, among others.
Visitors at the fair were also tested for diabetes, hypertension, Body Mass Index (BMI) and cholesterol. They were also sentitized to HIV/AIDS and substance abuse, with particular focus on smoking and alcohol consumption.
The provision of these services, during the health fair’s opening ceremony, were lauded by Mr. Carl Brandon from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, which  partnered with the Health Ministry for the hosting of the fair.
Brandon observed that access to services assists considerably with sensitizing young people to unhealthy pursuits.
An interesting highlight of the opening ceremony, one that captured the attention of the majority of passersby, was the direct way in which the ceremony’s programme spoke to healthy living.
The cultural items that interspersed addresses delivered by health sector and other officials addressed physical activity in particular.
Demonstrations by the Karate Association and by a group that showcased the Brazilian form of martial arts –capoeira – as well as a performance by the National School of Dance showcased physical activity in different forms.
In addition to the need to be engaged in physical activity, the other main health message advanced was proper diets.
Dr. Rosalinda Hernandez, the acting Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Representative, stressed the importance of these two.
She added that the collaborations among different organisations in the public and private sectors was commendable.
The health fair was also used to make public the first quarterly issue of the ‘Brickdam Heartbeat’ for 2010.
The 16 page newsletter featured developments in health, pressing issues such as cancer and the dangers of smoking, and regional highlights.
The health fair brings to an end the week of activities undertaken to commemorate World Health Day observed under the theme ‘1,000 Cities, 1,000 Lives’.
However, while these activities have ended, the Ministry of Health assures that the fight to promote healthier living continues.
A senior health official stated that the promotion of health is for everyone’s benefit. He  explained that while systems are in place for development, health can only be guaranteed when the behaviours of people change.
This campaign for behaviour change will be extended over the year as the organizations –public, private, non-governmental and others – collaborate to transform Brickdam into a healthy space.
The entities along Brickdam will be involved in ensuring that the environment is clean and that healthy habits are promoted.
The health official explained that Brickdam will be used as a model as at least two other streets in Georgetown are expected to be involved in the healthy space initiative.