KINGSTON, Jamaica — Managing Director of Seprod, Richard Pandohie, is calling on Jamaicans to realise that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are no longer a thing for old people and take their health seriously.

Speaking at the Jamaica Observer Your Health, Your Wealth Symposium currently taking place at the Spanish Court Hotel, Pandohie said he is mindful that it’s not cheap to eat well, but a change in our lifestyle is essential to curb these illnesses.He added that regulation of these diseases, as well as being educated about them, will make the difference.The event is being by Seprod though its Serge Milk, as well as the Spanish Court Hotel and Main Event Entertainment Group Limited and is being hosted in partnership with the Jamaica Cancer Society, the Diabetes Association of Jamaica and the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.

The Observer health symposium is focussing on diabetes, sudden cardiac death and cancer.There is an array of presenters looking at issues such as: The role of the general practitioner in dealing with major illnesses; diabetes and young people; cancer in Jamaica; as well as lifestyle, heart attack and sudden cardiac death.Participants will also be able to access free blood pressure checks, cholesterol and blood sugar tests as well as general wellness advice from health care professionals.

The symposium, a spin-off of the newspaper’s weekly Your Health Your Wealth magazine, will also feature some of the magazine’s contributors on location, one of whom — Dr Sharon Robinson — will be offering free oral cancer screening. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet some of the contributors to the health magazine.Kimberley Hibbert