The Tobago House of Assembly Division of Health has launched a health and wellness campaign titled “Play Mas, Live Well” in time for the fourth Tobago October Carnival.
Several programmes will be executed throughout the month as part of this initiative.
According to Tobago’s health officials, the “Play Mas, Live Well” initiative is necessary, as statistics show there are growing concerns.
Using information shared by a health practitioner, Secretary of Health Dr. Faith Brebnor explained that persons in their thirties are reporting HbA1c readings over fourteen.
“We now have significantly younger people who are having long-term, because HbA1c is not because you drank something and your sugar is high now, it is because you have had uncontrolled high sugar, in essence, in your system for a long time. So this means we have increased numbers of young people, because this used to be what happened to the older people who were treating with these issues.”
Acting General Manager of Primary Care at the Tobago Regional Health Authority Dr. Fidelis Okali added to this, noting that a 2011 and 2024 National Survey highlighted that Trinidad and Tobago has the highest rate of chronic Non-Communicable Diseases. He noted that the recently released 2024 survey indicated that lifestyle habits are contributing to this.
“21.3 per cent smokes, half of our population drinks alcohol — that is 51.5 per cent drinks alcohol or reported that they drank alcohol in the past thirty days, 93.3 per cent eat less than five servings of fruits and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables are also needed in your diet to mitigate the risk of developing these chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.”
THA Health Education Officer Aneika Edwards said the “Play Mas, Live Well” campaign is aimed at changing people’s lifestyle habits.
“This campaign is about making exercise fun, accessible, and part of our culture — not just for Carnival but for long-term lifestyle changes. Over the next four weeks, we’ll be moving together in communities with aerobics, dance fitness, yoga, hikes, in gyms, health food spots — where we aim to show how easy it is to start and continue your fitness journey.”
Included in the initiative is sexual health and wellness.
Health Education Facilitator/County Medical Officer of Health, Onika Henry, explained that as one prepares for the Carnival period, sexual wellness should also be taken seriously. She stressed that for this campaign, coverage, consent, and confidence are the key words.
“Coverage: This is your protection from STIs and unplanned pregnancies. They are as non-negotiable as good shoes on the road. Consent: That’s the rhythm that makes sure that everybody is moving together in sync, willingly and joyfully. And then confidence, the confidence from knowing your status through testing and taking care of yourself, just like checking your vital signs.”
The launch ended with the first aerobic burnout session held at the Office of the Chief Secretary.