Barbadians are being encouraged to take advantage of the Barbershop programme.?? It is a free public health initiative of the Ministry of Health and the National Commission for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.?? This programme allows individuals to take charge of their health by monitoring their blood pressure, height and weight in a comfortable setting.????

In an effort to encourage Barbadian men to be more aware of their health status, the agencies involved have placed machines for checking blood pressure and measuring body weight in three high traffic areas for their intended audience. The machines are stationed in Brother’s Barbershop in Speightstown, Line & Length in Sheraton Centre, and Exclusive Cuts in the Super Centre Complex in Warrens. They are available for use for the duration of the stores’ opening hours.

The health programme began with a formal launch in February 2011 and targets the improvement of men’s behaviour towards their health. To date, there have been over 500 individuals using the service. Barbadian males are advised to take advantage of this opportunity to check their Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure. Health education literature will also be available and come next year there will be monthly sessions with a health care professional. Moreover, the Ministry of Health has made provision for the continuation of the programme until March 2013.

The programme was conceptualised as a way of taking advantage of the relaxed atmosphere of the barbershop and seeks to promote health awareness in the male community.??

nekaelia.hutchinson@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest