Reprinted: CNW, 7-28-2023 A marine marvel, the seaweed known as sea moss or Irish moss, predominately found in the Atlantic Ocean, holds a special place not only in the Caribbean Sea but also along the Irish coastlines. This red algae variant has made a name for itself in the realm of natural thickeners used in diverse food items and cosmetic solutions. Diverse uses and … [Read more...]
Barbados fights Big Sugar for the survival of its people
The legacy of colonialism, modern-day conveniences and a diet high in fat and sugar have bequeathed the island a diabetes and high-blood pressure pandemic. But can health plans win out over corporate interests? The beaches are white sand, cruise ships meander through its warm azure waters and Rihanna is its global champion. But there is major trouble in Barbados’s 167 square miles of paradise. … [Read more...]
New programme to speed up action to tackle diabetes in the Caribbean
The Pan American Health Organization says the World Health Organization's (WHO) new Global Diabetes Compact aims to bring a much-needed boost to efforts to prevent diabetes in the Caribbean and other places and to bring treatment to all who need it. The compact was launched at the Global Diabetes Summit, which was co-hosted by WHO and the Government of Canada, with the support of the … [Read more...]
PAHO Director Warns COVID-19 Threatens Plans to Control Infectious Diseases
[Reprinted: PAHO, 8-4-2020] Routine vaccination, care for diabetes, hypertension and HIV, and maternal health have all been impacted. Countries must adapt and ensure continuation of primary health services alongside pandemic response. Health services are being disrupted in countries of the Americas as health workers are redirected to care for COVID-19 patients, people hesitate to seek routine … [Read more...]
Type 2 Diabetes on the rise in the Caribbean
Diabetes is a major public health challenge in the Caribbean affecting approximately 9% of the overall population in the region and is responsible for more than 13% of all adult deaths. In Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Dominica, and Jamaica diabetes is one of the leading causes of death. For example, in Trinidad and Tobago, and the British Virgin Islands, at least 14 % of the … [Read more...]