Caribbean News

Choose Prevention, Make Healthy Choices to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer

Published

6 years ago

February 5, 2018

#Trinidad and Tobago, 3^rd February, 2018 – Port of Spain – Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer related deaths among Caribbean men, with lung cancer being the second main cause. Breast and cervical cancer are the leading cancers in women and have a significant impact on women’s health in the Region. The death rates for cancer of the breast, cervix, stomach, colon and prostate are 2-9 times higher in the CARPHA Member States compared to the USA, research at CARPHA has shown.

“The good news is that a large proportion of cancer deaths in the Region for both males and females can be prevented through primary prevention and early detection. Breast cancer can be detected early and treated successfully. Cervical cancer is the most preventable through vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV), screening, education, early detection and treatment,” said Dr. C. James Hospedales, Executive Director, Caribbean Public Health Agency, in observance of World Cancer Day 2018.

The theme for World Cancer Day is “We can. I can.” “We can”. On February 4, CARPHA joins its Member States and the rest of the world to promote how everyone, individually and together, can help reduce the burden of cancer, focusing on prevention by reducing risk factors, and improving access to early diagnosis and adequate treatment. “We can” seeks to collectively, inspire action, create healthy environments, build a quality workforce and shape policy change. As an individual “I can” understand that early detection saves lives. I can support others, and work to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of 10 cancers – bowel, breast, uterine, ovarian, pancreatic, stomach, kidney, liver, advanced prostate and gallbladder cancers. Research has shown that adopting healthy lifestyle choices can contribute to the reduction of cancer cases and consequently deaths and costs from the disease in the Region.

“Choose prevention – take advantage of screening services offered by your community health clinics, health practitioners, and cancer organisations. Everyone can take steps to reduce their risk of cancer by choosing healthy options especially quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, keeping physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and choosing healthy food and drinks”, said Dr Hospedales.

CARPHA is committed to working with key partners to reduce the burden of cancer in the Region. The Agency is partnering with CARICOM agencies and international institutions to impact trade agreements and influence the availability and access to healthy foods. As a part of a collaboration with CDC, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and other global partners, CARPHA houses the Cancer Registry Hub for the Caribbean. The Hub aims to strengthen cancer surveillance by building capacity for cancer registration in the region through technical support, training, networking opportunities and collaborative research.

We need to act now to reduce our lifetime risk of cancer “We can. I can”!

Release: CARPHA

Caribbean News

Paid internship opportunity in Energy Data Collection, Application DEADLINE is April 19

Published

7 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

April 19, 2024 – The Caribbean Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) in cooperation with the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD), Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU), is looking for a motivated intern to work in close collaboration with regional and national institutions to survey and collect energy-related data that will be used to create the Energy Report Cards (ERCs) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A stipend for the intern will be provided by CCREEE.

The intern will be based at the EUD/MPSU. The internship program will provide students and/or young professionals with a unique opportunity to work with the energy sector institutions and stakeholders in TCI, gain practical experience in the energy sector, and contribute to the knowledge management functions of the Regional Energy Information System within the CARICOM Energy Knowledge Hub (CEKH).

SCOPE OF WORK

The CCREEE in collaboration with the EUD/MPSU will collect specified data and information that will be used to develop the TCI Energy Report Cards which will be made accessible through the CARICOM Energy Knowledge Hub (CEKH). The hub may be accessed by registering at https://cekh.ccreee.org. The Energy Report Cards will also offer important support to the CCREEE work program, including support for energy planning and the development of sustainable energy projects.

DESIRED PROFILE

Bachelor’s degree or on course for completion of one by December 2024.
Interest in the energy sector and willingness to learn about the socio-economic, technical and environmental aspects of the energy landscape; studies in sustainable energy, environmental sciences or related fields are an asset but not a National or resident of one of the relevant countries.
Proficiency in English.

INTERNSHIP TIMEFRAME

The internship will run for a period of eight (8) weeks from May 27 to July 19, 2024.

APPLICATION

The intern applicant should send their application (motivation letter and CV) on or before April 19, 2024 to recruitment@ccreee.org and copy eud@gov.tc.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Caribbean News

Earth Day 2024: Planet vs Plastics – A Call to Action for Reducing Plastic Waste

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Shanieka

As Earth Day approaches on April 22nd, the DECR is rallying the community to join the global movement towards reducing plastic waste and safeguarding our planet’s future.

Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, threatening the health of our oceans, wildlife, and ecosystems. With an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans every year, the need for action has never been more urgent.

This Earth Day, the DECR urges you to take meaningful steps towards reducing plastic consumption and waste. From single-use plastics like straws and bags to microplastics that infiltrate our ocean and food chain, every piece of plastic avoided makes a difference.

By embracing reusable alternatives, recycling responsibly, and advocating for policies that prioritize sustainability, we can all play a role in mitigating the plastic crisis. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

Join us this Earth Day in committing to reduce plastic waste and protect our precious environment. Together, we can make a difference.

Tune into the DECR’s social media by following us on Instagram @DECR_TCI or on Facebook at DECR Environmental Education & Outreach Group.

Caribbean News

Senior Teacher Endorses Robot to Assist in Educating Infant and Primary School Students

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Shanieka

KINGSTON, April 17 (JIS):

Senior Teacher at Alpha Infant School, Sabrina Raymond-Hunter, has endorsed the ‘ICHEETAH’ robot, a smart educational AI-powered tool that will advance the way young children learn and interact with technology.

The robot, developed by CHEETAH Toys and More, LLC, is designed to engage and educate children at the infant and early-primary levels of education in a fun and interactive manner, supporting their cognitive development and preparing them for future academic success.

Speaking at a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on April 16, Mrs. Raymond-Hunter recognised the potential of this cutting-edge technology and its ability to enhance the learning experience for young children.

“I am really excited about this product. I was able to get this into my classroom of 23 students and they are super excited about this. We have had it for three weeks and this is a game changer,” she said.

The Senior Teacher, who also serves as the school’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Designate, added that the students’ learning has been enhanced since incorporating the technology into her teaching.

“It has enhanced it a lot because you know the boys, especially, once they are happy and find something that is fun, they will want to do it. My boys started off a little bit rocky, but since they got this robot, they are spelling, identifying words and reading,” she noted.

Having yielded positive results from utilising the technology, Mrs. Raymond-Hunter is encouraging other schools who are not yet on board to do so.

“I’m encouraging all the other schools to get on board, and if for any reason you need a demonstration, come to Alpha. I’ll show you exactly how we use it to get our students on board and on level with everyone else. Learning should be fun, and with iCHEETAH it definitely is,” she shared.

The robot is outfitted with several interactive features, including voice recognition, games, and educational content, making learning engaging and exciting for young learners.

CONTACT: SHERIKA HALL