Health

Dear Editor: It’s time to break the stigma associated with mental health disorders in TCI

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, February 25, 2022 – It’s time to break the stigma associated with mental health disorders in TCI. Often times we tend to shy away from discussing the subject of mental illness, because it’s uncomfortable for some.

This subject is near and dear to my heart, not to mention I have a son and a sibling who struggles with mental illness.

I’m inclined to believe I’m not alone when it comes to the need for more discussion around this subject.

In all likelihood, mental illness is more prevalent among us then we want to believe and have probably touched a number of families within our communities in some form or fashion.

According to ADAA(Anxiety and Depression Association of America), nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet nearly two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek or get treatment.

With the negative stigma around mental health in TCI, now imagine if a comprehensive study was done. The findings could be quite surprising especially with the rate per capita in such a small population.

For far to long, we have treated mental illness as taboo, largely in part due to shame and lack of proper understanding. Often time referring to such persons as crazy or lunatics.

Sadly, what it has done is pushed persons further underground, causing their illness to go undiagnosed for a longer period of time and not properly treated.

What’s also important to understand is the fact that in many cases, this illness may not be so obvious on the surface.

It’s not just limited to some of the homeless persons we may occasionally encounter on the streets. One can appear to be functioning fine and have it all together, but the reality is, they could be struggling internally.

There are various forms of mental disorders, such as severe depression, ADD, uncontrollable anxiety, phobias, certain individuals who are on the Autism Spectrum Disorder etc.

Studies have also shown that persons who suffer from such disorders, if untreated, it could also drive them to certain addictions, bing eating or suicidal thoughts.

It could also cause those individuals to lash out in different ways or resort to other cynical behaviors.

As outlined in the PNP manifesto under their commitment to Safety, Security and Justice, it’s high time our government finally acknowledged the need for more public awareness around this subject.

Henceforth, there is a lot of work that will need to be done to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of providing the necessary resources and mental health awareness programs.

With that being said, there are several things that will need to take place..starting with a comprehensive assessment of identifying those individuals. This will need to be a multifaceted approach, to include those on the frontline, better coordination of the departments involved with treatment, the prison system and social welfare programs.

These are all important steps we will have to take and confront, if we are serious about addressing mental illness.

For example, based on our population, do we have an adequate number of mental health counselors? How readily available are they in times of need?

Are we going into public schools and educating students on the availability of such programs? This could help to debunk the stigma of being called crazy or a lunatic.

The world as we know it is changing at a rapid pace and so is our lives.

As a result, we find ourselves devoting less and less time to internalize and deal with our emotions.

We have to look beyond our homes, go behind prison walls, in our schools, churches and on the streets to help identify and find ways to deal with these issues.

How many of our young men are locked behind bars because of undiagnosed and untreated mental illness? Are there adequate treatment facilities available to properly assist them or are they in the general prison population?

It’s imperative that we begin prioritizing mental health resources that address the underlying reasons for cynical behaviors.

Case in point: Over the years, I believe there are many students who have been identified with behavioral issues, are we taking a deeper dive or creating mandates around what types of disciplinary responses are appropriate when they act up?

In order for those students to get the attention that’s needed, educators will need instructional models that allow them to spend less time lecturing and more time in one on one discussions.

Albeit, there are lots of moving pieces when it comes to mental health, we must first start with recognizing and destigmatization of the basic diagnosis.

What is even more important to come to grips with in respect to our prison population, is the fact most of them are not serving life sentences. They will eventually be released into society with little help or monitoring.

Now what? if their diagnosis goes untreated, they will become a danger to themselves and to society as a whole.

Let’s start with overcoming this stigma of mental illness to avoid it from being repeated by the next generation. Therefore, the time to act is now!

Ed Forbes,

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

Health

AstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer

May 8th, 2024 – After millions of people took the AstraZeneca vaccine as their choice of vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization announced on March 5, that it is withdrawing its vaccines from the market worldwide, effective as of May 7 as it was reported to cause side effects.

It is said 170 countries received doses of AstraZeneca; it was expected 35.3 million doses would be shared with 36 Caribbean and Latin American countries through the COVAX program, according to PAHO.

First reported by the Telegraph, the side effects are identified as blood clots and low blood platelet counts. In fact, the medical issues have reportedly been linked to 81 confirmed deaths in the UK alone. Many others are suffering some other medical injury due to the vaccine popularized as an answer to the then new virus.

AstraZeneca is also being sued by more than 45 affected people.

The vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, the Telegraph informs, can no longer be used in the European Union and it will be the same for other countries and the UK in the coming months. Over 17 million doses made it into EU countries.

Reports say AstraZeneca made the revelations of the side effects in court documents, adding that the withdrawal of their vaccine is also due to a decrease in demand.

Photo Caption: Public Health Nurse, Patricia Coates (left), administers Daniel Adams’ first dose of the AstraZeneca coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, during the second COVID-19 Vaccination Blitz at the National Arena in St. Andrew, on Saturday (April 3).

JIS photo from 2021.

Health

Case of Malaria Identified in TCI

Published

2 days ago

May 8, 2024

Shanieka

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 8^th May 2024: A case of malaria has been identified in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The individual is presently stable and receiving treatment. The Public Health team is currently conducting further investigations, however, initial findings indicate the case may be imported. The Ministry of Health and Human Services is working closely with its stakeholders to respond to this finding.

Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another. It is preventable and curable. However, without prompt diagnosis and effective treatment, a case of uncomplicated malaria can progress to a severe form of the disease, which is often fatal without treatment.

There are five species of Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species – Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat. Not all Anopheles mosquitoes have malaria, but if they bite a person with malaria, they can become infectious.

Symptoms

Malaria symptoms range from very mild illness to severe disease and even death. The first symptoms of malaria usually begin within 10–15 days after the bite from an infected mosquito. Early symptoms can include:

Fever and flu-like illness
Chills
Headache, muscle aches, and tiredness
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur

If not treated quickly, the infection can become severe. If Plasmodium falciparum malaria is not treated within 24 hours, the infection can progress to severe illness and death.

Severe symptoms can include:

kidney failure
seizures
mental confusion
coma

See a healthcare provider as soon as possible if:

you are experiencing any of the symptoms of malaria, and
you have traveled in the last year to or from an area where malaria occurs

Only a healthcare provider can diagnose malaria. A lab test via microscopy and/or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) will confirm malaria using a small sample of your blood.

Prescription drugs can treat and cure malaria.

Prevention

Persons traveling to countries where malaria is endemic should take precautions to prevent infection including taking chemoprophylaxis (use of medications to prevent infection).

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page onhttps://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Health

Successful Community Kidney Screening Events Hosted by InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health and Human Services in Grand Turk and Salt Cay

Published

1 week ago

May 2, 2024

Shanieka

(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, April 19th, 2024): – InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is delighted to announce the successful completion of the Community Kidney Screening Events held in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. These events marked a significant milestone in promoting kidney health awareness and early detection.

On April 12, 2024, on Grand Turk (Dillon Hall) and April 13, 2024, on Salt Cay (Ministry of Health Clinic), participants had the opportunity to receive immediate screening results and personalized guidance from dedicated healthcare professionals. The collaborative effort between InterHealth Canada-Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services empowered individuals to prioritize their kidney health and take proactive steps towards well-being.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, shared, “We are happy to see the positive impact of the Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay. By providing accessible screenings and expert guidance by our clinical teams, including our nephrologist and internist, we equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their kidney health.”

Similarly, Dr Camelia Clarke, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These events have showcased the importance of early detection and preventive care in maintaining optimal kidney health.”

The support of sponsors, including the TCI Boating Club, Air and Sea Agency, The Olympic Group Limited, Flow and Digicel, played a crucial role in the success of the Community Kidney Screening Events.

InterHealth-Canada Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health and Human Services are excited to announce that a series of Kidney Community Screenings with dates for Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, and South Caicos will be revealed soon, further extending the impact of this important initiative.

The Community Kidney Screening Events in Grand Turk and Salt Cay have set a solid foundation for ongoing efforts to prioritize kidney health and well-being within the community. Together, we are taking proactive steps towards building a healthier future for all.