Over 2,000 tests conducted during health ministry’s ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign in St James

More than 2,000 tests were conducted during the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, St James, on February 16.

Each of the approximately 700 participants underwent an average of four tests, inclusive of blood sugar level, cholesterol, blood pressure, haemoglobin, body mass index and eye examinations, among other health checks.

Portfolio Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton, who attended the engagement, spearheaded by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), emphasised the importance of persons knowing their health status.

He noted that understanding the warning signs can prevent serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks, ultimately reducing the burden on public healthcare services.

“Know Your Numbers is a simple programme that says you must know your health status. In other words, get a checkup that will tell you how healthy you are; and it allows you an opportunity to get counselling by your doctors, nutritionists, [and] physical education instructors to correct any issues,” the minister explained.

Dr Tufton added that health is not just about hospitals and surgeries but also one’s lifestyle.

He pointed out that many Jamaicans unfortunately neglect their health by engaging in risky lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking, eating unhealthy foods, [and] lack of exercise, among others, and often end up in accident and emergency wards.

“The point I’m making is, if you don’t take care of yourself, then it’s kind of hard for the State, the Government or even private [healthcare providers] to deal with all the illnesses that you’re going to have,” he emphasised.

“Health is really about how you live and the choices you make. So what we’re trying to do is to give people more education to promote prevention. This is about helping people to make better choices for themselves,” he added.

Dr Tufton indicated that data collated from the Know Your Numbers campaigns across Jamaica is being used to design healthcare policies and interventions.

These include identifying individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension, for targeted support.

He further highlighted the ministry’s efforts to address unhealthy lifestyle practices.

These include implementing restrictions on sugary drinks and developing a nutrition policy for schools, advocating for front-of-package labelling, and working towards eliminating trans-fat from the food system due to its link to cardiovascular illnesses.