The Ministry of Health and Social Development is encouraging residents to make small, intentional changes to improve their health and wellbeing as the Virgin Islands joins the Caribbean in observing Caribbean Wellness Day.
Observed annually on the second Saturday in September, Caribbean Wellness Day is part of the region’s response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This year’s observance continues under the regional theme “Engage. Empower. Elevate” and the slogan “Our Mind. Our Body. Our Wellness. Empowering Caribbean Youth.”
Public Health Officer Renee Leonard said improving wellness does not require drastic lifestyle changes.
“Start small and start from where you are,” Leonard said. “Investing just 10 to 20 minutes each day in something that elevates your mind, body and overall wellness can create long-lasting impact. The important thing is to start and then build from there.”
Physical activity remains an important part of maintaining good health. Adults are encouraged to work towards at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week while reducing prolonged periods of sitting and other sedentary behaviours.
Leonard said residents can incorporate more movement into their daily routines without necessarily going to a gym.
“Take the stairs, park a little farther away, walk during part of your lunch break, get up and move between tasks, walk while talking on the telephone or take a 10-minute walk when you get home,” she said. “Physical activity does not always have to mean going to the gym. Those extra steps add up.”
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is reinforcing the message through its “In a Sneakers”campaign, which encourages people to “Move More. Sit Less. Get In Sneakers.”
The campaign promotes simple ways of incorporating physical activity into everyday life.
This year’s Caribbean Wellness Day observance also places emphasis on mental and emotional wellbeing, healthy eating, physical activity and reducing harmful behaviours, including vaping, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
The Ministry is also highlighting the broader factors that influence health.
While individual choices are important, health is also shaped by the environments in which people live, learn, work and age. Access to nutritious food, safe spaces for exercise, education, healthcare, supportive relationships and healthy workplaces can all affect a person’s ability to maintain good health.
Leonard said creating a healthier Virgin Islands will require both individual responsibility and environments that make healthier choices easier.
“We do not have to wait until something is wrong to begin investing in our health,” she said. “Start where you are. Choose one thing you can do differently today and build on it. Small, consistent changes can produce significant results over time.”
The Ministry is encouraging residents to use Caribbean Wellness Day as a starting point to move more, sit less, eat better, protect their mental wellbeing and make wellness part of everyday life.