Aereal Johnson, fitness instructor at the Nation Gym (left) giving some pointers to Health Minister David Estwick for a line dance routine in the fitness tent at the tenth Healthy Lifestyle Extravaganza yesterday.

by WENDY BURKE

MINISTER of Health David Estwick says a health extravaganza is necessary especially in the face of the high incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases.

Speaking yesterday at The NATION's Healthy Lifestyle Extravaganza which for the first time was held on a Saturday, the minister said The Nation's commitment to meeting the personal health information needs of the community, was a valuable resource for all Barbadians, and the paper was playing a critical role in educating the public on matters of health and wellness.

"This is necessary especially in light of the global epidemic of chronic non-communicable diseases which threaten our capacity to continue on a path of nation building. I believe that all of you will agree that one of the hallmarks of this event is the quality of sustained partnerships which work together to make it a success year after year," he said.

Estwick said he was happy to hear the healthy lifestyle programme was now in primary schools. He said his ministry supported it since its inception, noting this support would continue in the new financial year.

He said the extravaganza also represented what regional governments were striving for.

"The Port-of-Spain Declaration on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases calls on member governments to provide an environment which will enable most Caribbean people to be physically active each day and assist them in making healthy food choices," said Estwick.

Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the Nation Publishing Company, Vivian-Anne Gittens, welcomed those who turned out, after a two-year break of the event. She thanked sponsors and encouraged people to make positive lifestyle changes.

Senior corporate communications officer of The NATION, Marilyn Sealy said there were 55 booths this year. She said, the Extravaganza, which was previously held on a Sunday, had been switched to Saturday, because of complaints from the public about its being held on Sundays.

There were lines at the free HIV testing booth from the start to finish of the Extravaganza, and in the information section Aids educator Sade Leon-Slinger gave lectures/ demonstrations on the use of male and female condoms; there was not a chair to spare.

The exercise tent was also a hot spot with several people participating, especially in the various dance routines.

A mini gym from Ocean 2 was also set up and pilates/yoga instructor David Ellis said exercise was about enjoyment and if people liked it they would continue even after the Extravaganza.

The Barbados Light & Power who partnered with the Blood Collecting Unit, had some interesting energy-saving games for children. Another popular section was the spa and beauty treatments area, which saw a steady stream under those tents.