One day fair to explain how stats affects everyday life
(CNS): Did you know that hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease in the Cayman Islands? Yet even if you knew, how can statistics help you? According to Shanna Saunders-Best, the coordinator of the Cayman Islands’ first-ever statistics fair, they provide tools for the spectrum of health care decision makers – the government, hospitals, doctors, as well as you and your family — to work towards the improvement of well-being in this country. This is just one way that statistics affects everyday life that will be highlighted at the fair, which will be held at the University College of the Cayman Islands auditorium on Thursday this week, 9am to 6pm. Finance Minister Marco Archer will officially open the fair at 9:30am.
The event, which has the theme “KyStats 4 Everyday Life: Let us Educate and Appreciate”, is hosted by the Economics and Statistics Office (ESO) and the recently formed NationalStatistical Coordination Committee (NSCC). Ten government entities have planned information displays that will include interactive activities and games to highlight the importance of statistics. Among these is the Health Services Authority (HSA).
Saunders-Best noted that results from the Health Risk Factor Survey 2012 indicated that 15.8% of the population aged 25-64 years had raised blood pressure (hypertension) but were not currently on medication. This rate is even higher among males at 18.8% compared to females at 12.7%. “If persons with elevated blood pressure are not on medication or being monitored, this could impact the health system severely when complications arise,” she said. To learn more information about this disease she urges the public to visit the fair.
HSA Director of Corporate Services Andria Dilbert added, “Visitors to the booth will learn more about their individual health. Moreover, they will also have the opportunity to understand how health impacts people's lives and what the country can do to work for their betterment. Each participant will also have the opportunity to learn about different methods of intervention that aim to encourage us to lead a healthier and more wholesome lifestyle.”
Equally stimulating booths are promised by other participants, including the ESO, the Departments of Children and Family Services, Education, Environment, Environmental Health, Immigration, Planning, and Lands and Survey, as well as the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.
The public can expect to see presented in a number of interesting ways a comprehensive set of statistics that relate to all aspects of life in the Cayman Islands, including food, housing, education, disease risks, healthcare, natural resources, environmental health, foreign trade, property development, immigration, peace and order. There will also be special prizes, random drawings, sports statistics demonstrations and television interviews, Saunders-Best says.
Inviting the public to attend, Minister Archer said, “As part of the Cayman Islands’ celebrations of International Year of Statistics 2013, this unique event will seek to reach persons of all ages, especially students. As a former career statistician, with a life-long interest in statistics, I recognise the impact which data that is scientifically gathered can have on our everyday lives.” A means through which this impact is achieved is when governments use statistics to tailor policies, programmes and services, the minister explained.
“I am especially delighted that 11 government entities, led by the Economics and Statistics Office (ESO), are participating in the fair. I believe this will impart a better understanding about how statistics shape the everyday provision of service to our people,” Archer added.
UCCI President Roy Bodden and Director Maria Zingapan will also speak at the opening ceremony.
Category: Local News
Blood pressure rises when our utility bills rises – cause and effect.
This is a great idea, terrible timing since it is right after the midterms for UCCI when all students and some teachers and most administrators leave for a short break. A missed oppurtunity to involve the students at UCCI.
Hope they try this again at a better time in the future.
You are a fool, there are lots of pictures on the government website showing there are lots of people that attended that includes other government officials who were involved in preparing the conferance and younger students that were forced by thier teacher. See, a total success.
I am so proud of Marco Archer. He just dosent walk the talk but he talks the walk. So humble and yet so professional. I cant gorget on his very first trip abroad on his return I was sitting outside the Airport and when he stepped outside he stopped to say hello to me. I was most surprised as I did not know that he even knew my name. Way to go Marco cause four years is gonna be right around the corner.
Dear Mr Archer, the reason that no one responds is that they appear to be based on forms used for tax purposes. I think you need to reassess the questions asked so that they are effective but dont look as if they are designed to understand how much money i earn and how much i can pay in taxes. Just a thought.
Hmmn not so quick.
There are no questions on any govt form that have anything to do with the topic of tax or evading them. In truth it sounds like you are hiding something and maybe a bit paranoid.
"Those who know do not talk and those who talk do not know"
As always, you have an option of refusing an answer to any question posed. And, regardless of how you feel , you should be taking part as a registered workpermit holder , caymanian, status holder or permanent resident-its a law! And one of the few that actually offer something of value to this community in return.
I am not sure where you come from, but chances are you have participated in a census or government survey of some kind. One that is mandatory and in some cases generated automatically regardless of your feeling.
The truth is that this island is so tightly grasped in secrecy that any question is seen as intrusive.
British politician (1804 – 1881)