As we see the over-60-year cohort of the Jamaica population growing more quickly than the under-5 for the first time in our recorded history, thoughts are turning to healthy ageing. The seniors organisation, Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP), had an enlightening meeting with our central Jamaica members recently at the Mandeville Hotel, where we were addressed by award-winning family practitioner Dr Owen James.

In his presentation, ‘The Myth of Ageing’, Dr James reminded us that one should not ascribe every ache and pain to one’s age. For example, whether one is 20 or 70, back injury can result from improper lifting. He noted that many non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were preventable with proper diet, weight control and exercise.

In emphasising the importance of exercise, Dr James noted, “Mortality is halved in retired men who walk more than two miles daily. Someone who is inactive has as great a risk of having heart disease as someone who smokes, has high blood pressure or has high cholesterol. Exercise significantly reduces the chances of diabetes and stroke. With regular exercise, blood pressure in those with hypertension is reduced significantly.”

Dr James suggested that we should aim for these lifestyle changes, reminding us, “Moderation in all things.”

• good, general wellness schedule: promoting good, avoiding bad

• desirable nutrition/diet: balanced, correct food groups; adequate hydration

• desirable body weight: assessment and maintenance

• desirable calorie intake: based on activity

• desirable exercise regime: age, heart rate and other parameters

• desirable sleep, rest and relaxation.

Dr James’ presentation is given even more weight by the work of Dr Alafia Samuels, Jamaican director of the Chronic Disease Research Centre based in Barbados, and head of a wide-ranging evaluation of the 2007 Caricom heads of government Port of Spain declaration on chronic diseases.

Dr Samuels convened a meeting in Kingston, ‘Engaging all of society in accelerating the chronic disease response’, which brought together a wide range of organisations and individuals to examine the gaps in prevention, diagnosis, and control of these chronic diseases which need to be tackled through a fully multi-sectoral response.

Hypertension was of special concern. A report from the meeting noted, “Sudden, unexpected deaths, especially among middle-aged Jamaican and Caribbean men, is often due to undiagnosed and untreated high blood pressure: the number one risk factor for heart attack and stroke in the region and globally.”

Deaths from heart attacks in Jamaica are increasing, even while there is a decrease in such countries as Barbados and Suriname. In fact, twice as many men under the age of 70 die in Jamaica from heart attacks than in North America. The report quotes Jamaica healthy lifestyle statistics: around 50 per cent of people don’t know that they are hypertensive. In addition, 25 per cent don’t know they are diabetic and some 80 per cent are unaware that they have high cholesterol.

“When you hear of a man in his 40s or 50s suddenly dropping dead, this is most likely due to undiagnosed hypertension,” said Dr Samuels. “Jamaica has a definite ‘man problem’ and we need to do something about it.” She noted that men have worse control of chronic conditions than women, higher death rates, visit health services less (“Men have to be dropping down before they go to the doctor…”), and have higher rates of alcohol abuse and tobacco use.

Dr Samuels also warned about the danger of childhood obesity, noting that “30 per cent of children’s calories now come from sweets, drinks, salty snacks and fast food; that three quarters are drinking sugar-sweetened sodas and one in 20 is clinically obese”.

Imagine, one solution may lie in Jamaica’s rich soil, as there were calls to examine Jamaican food culture and promote a return to more traditionally healthy, home-grown produce, and to plant fruit trees instead of ornamental trees to increase the availability of fresh fruits.

As Heart Foundation Executive Director Deborah Chen, who chaired the event, maintained, “We in the health sector can’t do it alone. The only way we’re going to have success is if we all work together.”

Protecting our precious children

It is graduation season, a time of hope and expectation. I saw this in the eyes of the promising children of St Catherine’s Preparatory School in Spanish Town recently. Their prinicipal, Yolande Geddes-Hall, showed her leadership qualities from her days as team captain of our Convent of Mercy ‘Alpha’ netball team. The children were happy and self-assured, bolstered by the unity of teachers, parents, non-academic staff, and board members.

Young valedictorian Danielle Holdham, who had near-perfect marks, spoke confidently. Affirmation was the order of the evening as there were multiple awards for academic excellence, sports and the arts, and kudos for the dedicated teachers and parents. The fathers were very much in evidence, and it was clear that this was a bright spot of excellence in the parish of St Catherine.

In my charge to the graduates I told them of my wishes for them: to enjoy life with family and friends, not just with a smartphone or a computer; to read avidly as a love of reading will help them in every subject and to communicate, and open them to great adventures; and to walk in godliness, loving, sharing and praying.

Lastly, I reflected on how blessed Jamaicans are, that our national anthem is a prayer, every line filled with faith and the action it requires: “Teach us true respect for all, stir response to duty’s call.” It is a serious duty; we adults have to ensure that our children have a peaceful and rich childhood, one that will give them the character and strength for a fulfilled life.

Early childhood making the grade

Last Thursday we were in Ocho Rios for the presentation of certificates by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) to 17 Jamaican infant schools which have met the 12 criteria for registration by the commission. The ECC, which has been blessed with the expertise of former Chairperson Dr Maureen Samms-Vaughan and the dynamism of newly appointed Trisha Williams-Singh, has been working assiduously to ensure that Jamaica’s infant schools have qualified teachers and an optimum learning environment. Education state minister, Floyd Green; Opposition spokesperson on education Ronald Thwaites; and custos of St Ann Norma Walters all noted the importance of this focus for Jamaica’s development.

We were in the birth parish of little Nevalesia Campbell, whose life was cut short in unspeakable circumstances. Many of us teared up as the children of Glendevon Infant School danced to Whitney Houston’s

I Look To You. Yes, they are looking to us and we must not fail them.

lowriechin@aim.com

www.lowrie-chin.blogspot.com