The Run Down on Let’s Move TCI

By Sherrica Thompson

Staff Writer

Let’s Move TCI Campaign

 The ‘Let’s Move TCI’ project was launched on November 25. This initiative is geared towards increasing residents’ engagement in sports and physical activity to promote healthy living and proper nutrition.

The programme will begin on January 22 and run for three months. Registration is now open, and there is a one-time fee of $20 to join. The Minister of Health said the minimum target for registration is 1000 participants.

Why it’s needed?

In giving her remarks at the launch last Thursday, Education Minister, Rachel Taylor outlined several reasons ‘Let’s Move TCI’ is needed.

“Having a healthy lifestyle means you are less prone to developing heart disease. Spending a few minutes per day relaxing and enjoying yourself is good for your mental health, which can improve your physical health,” said Taylor.

She added that: “Brief exposure to high anxiety levels can harm the brain and obstruct good cognitive functioning. As a part of a healthy way of life, it is important to manage stress successfully and effectively and being engaged in fitness activities can do just that. In the Turks and Caicos, we want less people to experience anxiety.”

The Education Minister also encouraged employees to participate in the campaign because it will increase better relationships in the workplace and boost employee confidence, productivity, health, wellness, and stamina.

A “Big Deal”

In his remarks, Minister of Health Jamell Robinson says the “Let’s Move TCI” initiative is a ‘big deal’ because it demonstrates what collaboration and partnership with multiple stakeholders can produce.

He noted that the programme will be financed by the Ministries of Health and Education, the Sports Commission, the National Health Insurance Board, and the registration fee.

Minister Robinson also said all duties will be waived on superfoods for the next twelve months, starting December 15. Superfoods are a list of foods that participants partaking in the programme are encouraged to include in their diets. Some of these foods include black beans, blueberries, broccoli, garlic, oatmeal, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, almonds, avocados, and several others.

The Perfect Initiative

In her remarks, CEO of the National Health Insurance Board, Tamera Robinson, noted that the board has to spend a lot of money on healthcare expenses annually.

“In 2019, the National Health Insurance Board spent $59.7 million dollars on health care expenses,” said Robinson. “In 2020 $51.5 million and 2021 – 2022, we have budgeted $57.7million for healthcare expenses.”

Robinson said she is encouraging beneficiaries of the National Insurance Plan to take advantage of the annual physicals included in their packages at the start of the campaign.

She also said the initiative is a good way for the National Health Insurance Board to encourage preventative health care measures.

“Let’s Move TCI is the perfect initiative to kick us all into gear and not only to get into better shape but to educate us on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, fostering good health practices, good health-seeking practices and encouraging preventative health care measures is a good way for us here at the National Health Insurance Board,” said Robinson.

Let’s Do this

Director of the TCI Sports Commission, Jarrett Forbes, in his remarks, said the programme will include several activities throughout its duration. These activities include exercise videos, meal plan videos, meal preparation information/nutritional support, in-person group fitness instructor, health fitness talks and weekly challenges.

He also noted that participants will receive T-shirts, water bottles and a pedometer to track their steps.

Forbes said he is encouraging individuals, entities, and employers to register for the campaign.

The School Nutrition Physical Fitness Programme

 A School Nutrition Physical Fitness Programme will also be implemented at two primary schools in Grand Turk to educate students and parents on the importance of including proper nutrition and physical fitness in their daily living.

The programme will run for three days per week after school. It will involve using creative art forms to communicate therapeutic messages to students about nutrition and physical fitness.