A week of events promoting health awareness on St. John capped off with a forum on diabetes — a chronic illness — contributing factors and ways the average person can fend off negative outcomes. A panel discussion featuring a doctor, a fitness coach, an agronomist, a specialist on tobacco abuse and a psychologist led their audience through their different points of view.
The forum — sponsored by the Health Department Division of Chronic Disease and Prevention — took place late Friday afternoon at the Coal Pot in Cruz Bay. Normally a setting suitable for end-of-the-work-week happy hours, the proprietor laid out a buffet of lean cold cuts, crudités, fruit, and lemon water.
A similar event hosted by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity took place May 16 on St. Thomas. Organizers chose the venue to create a relaxed setting to frame the health talk amid socializing and an after-talk bingo game.
Dr. Joseph DeJames led off the talks with thoughts about the link between diet and diabetes. Fitness trainer Bernard Douglas, Jr. spoke about the challenges of incorporating exercise into a health regimen. James Henderson, director of Agro-Development, encouraged listeners to avoid processed foods.
A tobacco training specialist explained how the stress of managing ailments like diabetes can lead to formation of harmful habits like smoking. The forum wrapped up with words from social psychologist Melinda McCarthy, who emphasized the link between tobacco use and chronic illness.
Friday’s forum followed Thursday’s Dinner with a Doctor, which took place at the St. John Legislature building and was hosted by Schneider Regional Medical Center. From Monday through Wednesday, residents and visitors on St. John were welcomed to free medical screenings in Franklin Powell, Sr. Park, courtesy of the Health Department.
