In an effort to encourage staff to find out their health status, the National Sports Council (NSC) hosted a health fair at its offices at the Wildey Gymnasium today.
Chairman of the NSC’s Health Fair Committee, Nicholas Matthias, who is also Senior Superintendent of Works, shared that the last time the Council held a health fair was in 2012, and at that event staff discovered many things about their bodies.
“So, we thought it was a good idea to get staff to come together to get some health checks done and to bring in the public to get a day of relaxation, but still a day of quality in terms of what’s being presented,” he explained.
Deputy Director of the NSC, Emmerson Bascombe, noted that the health fair focused on five components: physical, financial, mental, spiritual and sexual health.
Among the companies and agencies which had their services on display were Quality Tyre, Security Smart, the National Council on Substance Abuse, Fitness Trendz, the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF), the Barbados Fire Service and Enviro Shake. The NSC’s coaches, insurance companies and credit unions were also represented among the 20 booths at the health fair.
One of the most popular sections of the fair was the HIV/AIDS Commission, ‘Men Aware’ booth. According to Mr. Matthias, the ‘Men Aware’ section was initially a dedicated ‘man cave’, where men could watch their favourite sports games, get free haircuts and relax, while participating in quizzes and games on HIV/AIDS, but “the ladies took over”.
In addition, while receiving free health checks (cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure), cardiac health information and massages, patrons were treated to melodic instrumental pieces by the RBPF Band.
The National Sports Council was established in 1978 and employs 54 coaches in various sporting disciplines, including football, boxing, table tennis, swimming and rugby.