Another kayak living in the United States of America is providing support to the people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. This time, it’s seeking to address the issue of obesity among primary school students on the islands.
Dr Viola Browne, who is originally from the community of Mt Pleasant, is here volunteering her time, skills and qualifications for a 4-week period.
Browne, holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Doctorate in Public Health, said on a previous visit to the island that she observed a number of students suffering from obesity. She drew her observation to the attention of the District Education team and received logical assistance from education officials and the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government to set up the programme dubbed, “Supporting Parents with Activities and Resources for Children’s Health.”
The programme is now underway at the Hillsborough Government School and includes a number of theoretical and practical sessions.
In one activity, participating children visited the Belair Nursery operated by the Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs and Local Government. There they were given free seedlings and also cash to spend at the Marketing and National Importing Board (MNIB) to purchase local vegetables, which were used in the preparation of healthy dishes.
Dr Browne promised that the programme will not be one-off. She already has planned follow-up visits, and will be in constant contact with the parents and children.
Support in establishing the programme was also given by the local Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) representative Jennifer Duncan.
Ministry of Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs
One way of tackling Childhood Obesity is by arranging for parents to participate in interactive sessions on topics like, Healthy Eating, Healthy Snacking, Healthy Shopping, the dangers of regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods, the importance of Movement and Physical Activity for Children’s Development.
Parent Education is important and they also need to know how to prevent Childhood Obesity and understand the connection between Childhood Obesity and the onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
However we have to indicate that the Childhood Obesity issue has gotten out of control in the Caribbean largely because governments have not been proactive in implementing policies to create a health-supporting environment for parents and their children.
Not just food affects weight. You should with due diligence run some medical testing on the overweight children to be sure they are not suffering from any illness like Hypothyroidism that could affect their metabolism. Grenada does NOT have the best medical care . Check early rather than late. Do the children have organized sport activities? Start a HASHING club on Carriacou, Grenada Hash House Harriers would be happy to give advice I am sure.