Archive for November 10th, 2014
Survey finds health conference has positive impact
(CNS): A survey of people who attended last year’s Cayman Islands national health conference revealed that over half of them had made healthy changes in their lives as a result of things they had learned. Delegates who responded to the survey said they were making better choices when it came to diet, increased levels of activity and drinking more water. Twenty-one per cent said that had made a ‘significant positive change’ and 42% a ‘positive change’. Over 70% of respondents also said their entire families were influenced by the things they had learned at the conference and had made some changes. These included taking time to talk with the family, eating together and eating healthier together, as well as better work/life balance.
An improvement in the way people dealt with their mental health was also recorded as a result of people attending the conference, with an impressive 68% of respondents making a change such as taking breaks when feeling stressed, undertaking exercise, as well as breathing exercises and meeting with a group of likewise individuals throughout the month to talk through any problems.
With a clear indication that the conference is helping people to be more healthy and make positive lifestyle changes, organisers said the fifth annual healthcare conference opens on 20 November at The Ritz-Carlton, with a focus on ‘Winning the war against chronic non-communicable diseases’.
The survey also showed that people feel the Cayman community is promoting more wellness programmes and fun physical activities, with 71% saying they had noticed more publicity on these types of programmes and events. As a result, some joined weight loss programmes and stop smoking courses.
“Making a positive impact on the health and wellness of the Cayman Islands was always a core goal of these events and the Ministry is delighted that this survey demonstrates exactly the results we were hoping for,” said Osbourne Bodden, the health minister.
Sponsors for this year include: Tenet Healthcare, Tower, Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, Dart, Health City Cayman Islands, CONCACAF, UnitedHealthcare Global, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Cleveland Clinic, Baptist Health International, Marsh, Cerner, BritCay, University of California-San Diego, Aitheras Aviation Group, Aon Risk Solutions, CINICO, Broward Health, The Wellness Centre, Fidelity, Heart Health Centre, Saint Luke’s Mid-America Heart Institute, Generali and many other exhibitors and not-for-profit organisations.
Visit www.healthcareconference.ky to register or stay up to date on the Facebook page.