The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IN AN effort to help Bahamians make informed food choices, develop sound eating habits and become consistently involved in physical activity the Adventist Health Professionals Association (AHPA) launched its annual wellness programme.

For eight consecutive years the association has hosted the 8 Weeks to Wellness programme. Participants are pre-screened to get their base-line cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure reading along with their height, weight, waist and hip measurements. They are also screened at the end of the programme to track their progress.

For the first week participants are encouraged to do a lifestyle check-up. They are encouraged to observe what they eat, when they eat and how much they eat. They must also keep track of their consumption of liquids and monitor how active they are to determine what habits they need to change.

During sessions, which will be held once a week, participants will be placed in a small coaching groups to better meet individual needs. They will also be educated on various chronic diseases, weight management, stress management and healthy methods of cooking. Participants will also receive pedometers and a t-shirt. They will compete in ten challenges that will address all of the lifestyle issues.

Before starting the programme, the association spearheaded a similar initiative that lasted for 12 weeks. It also had a significant impact on the health of those who participated, said Idamae Hanna, nutritionist and AHPA member.

“The scientific analysis of the participants who completed the 12 Weeks to Wellness programme showed an average weight loss of 13 pounds. There was also a statistically significant reduction in blood pressure, and participants were exercising and eating more fruits and vegetables.  In 2006 the program was changed to 8 Weeks to Wellness. Over the years the program has evolved getting better every year,” she said.

In 2007 and 2008 the association partnered with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health to introduce the programme to three local elementary schools.

Ms Hanna said the presence of the programme in the elementary schools showed that some of the participants were at risk of developing several chronic diseases.

“The information gathered from one of the schools showed that 35% of 116 students who participated showed early signs of developing one or more chronic disease. The programme was one of the first to give statistical data on childhood obesity in a specific population. Because of the impact of the program in the community and the schools, the 8 Weeks of Wellness Programme was featured at a health summit for the region put on by Pan American Health Organization in St Vincent,” Ms Hanna said.

The 8 Weeks to Wellness programme received a second place award in a prestigious annual competition hosted by the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI), a subsidiary of the Pan American Health Organisation.