The National Commission for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCCNCDs) will utilise a number of avenues during Agrofest, this weekend, including working with the National Task Force on Physical Activity and Exercise, to spread the message of good health.????????????

In support of the theme, Achieving Healthy Lifestyles Through Agriculture, the Commission, the patron of this year’s agricultural exhibition, will mount a booth, a feature of which will be a walk-through poster display portraying six themes surrounding health and wellness.

According to Chairman of the NCCNCDs, Professor Trevor Hassell, who will give remarks at the opening ceremony this Friday, "the Commission relishes this opportunity to illustrate to the thousands of Barbadians who will visit the exhibition, the many ways in which they can take action to manage or reduce the likelihood of suffering from a chronic disease."??

In addition, Professor Hassell explained that the Commission would partner with the National Taskforce to put on line dancing on the main stage on Saturday, February 26 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. and an ???Agrocise’ session on the main pasture on Sunday, February 27, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

In addition to the CNCD booth, signs will be erected on the grounds of the park bearing various informational health messages.???? Actors from the group Drama Konnections will also be a feature of public health messaging and this will occur throughout Queen’s Park between 1:00 and 6:00 p.m.

The Lions Club of Barbados, Bridgetown, will also be conducting blood sugar and blood pressure testing in the booth, on Saturday, February 26 and Sunday, February 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Professor Hassell urged parents and children alike to visit the Commission’s tent to view healthy snack demonstrations and take part in interactive and educational games, created by a Community Nutrition Officer of the National Nutrition Centre.?? Items identified in the Guidelines of the Nutritious and Healthy Foods in Schools: Nutritional and Practical Guidelines for Barbados, will also be showcased.??

The health official pointed out that the Commission was taking advantage of the large number of persons who are known to attend Agrofest by interviewing a section of the patrons for research purposes.?? The survey has been designed by Commission member, Dr. Alafia Samuels, who will be assisted by the Barbados Boys’ Scouts in conducting a health and nutrition oriented survey.?? Persons who take part in the survey will also qualify for a chance to win one of three low-salt food hampers.??

The Scouts, who will be operating from the Government Information Service tent, will also be displaying a number of posters depicting the event’s theme.??

lbayley@barbados.gov.bb

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