As the adage goes, ‘Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessing’ – a sentiment shared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture who recently benefitted from a Health Fair on Thursday, October 24.
The event was hosted in the ministry’s compound. It was a joint effort between the Ministries of Agriculture and Public Health and is among the many activities on the calendar of events for Agriculture Month.
Scenes from the Health Fair
Staff, who took advantage of the fair, were provided services ranging from eye tests, blood pressure, cholesterol, as well as dental service, while some made vital donations to the blood bank.
Ministry of Agriculture, Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS), Aretha Henry
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Aretha Henry told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the initiative provided an opportunity for their staff to access necessary medical screening and essential information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“This initiative is very beneficial to the staff because, as employers and upper management, we want our staff to be healthy… because we believe that with a healthy workforce, our staff will be to be more productive.”
The staff also benefitted from the ministry’s recent nutrition workshop that was facilitated by nutritionist Jillian Trim, who engaged them on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Staffer, Uancy Chichester said that this fair helped, “to raise awareness among my colleagues. Of course, it is a good thing to ensure that persons take better care of their health which will go a far way… when you take good care of yourself, it is always best for yourself and the agency”.
Some of the staff from the Ministry of Agriculture donating blood
Odette Boyce-Declou, another staff, said that this initiative is a good one, “to ensure that all staff are healthy, especially with the services offered, free of cost”.
The staff also received advice on hypertension, diabetes and steps to ensure a healthy lifestyle so to avoid chronic diseases. Among the other booths offering information was the National Aids Program Secretariat (NAPS).
(DPI)
