Bahamas News
Bush Medicine getting a Desk in Bahamas Ministry of Health
By Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#TheBahamas, April 13, 2023 – Dr. Micheal Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness announced at the House of Assembly on March 22, 2023, that his ministry will establish a Bush Medicines desk under the new Wellness Unit which was launched on Thursday March 23, 2023. This announcement follows the reveal of results from the 2019 STEPS Survey of nearly 2,500 people, ages 18-69.
The survey says more that 10 percent of people with hypertension, diabetes, or both, at a point following their diagnosis, looked for advice from traditional healers with as much as 20 percent ingesting herbal or alternative treatment. 
Due to this, Darville’s Ministry, aims to “revisit plans to establish an indigenous medicines desk to ensure that the use of bush medicines and other treatments are regulated and introduced in a safe and proven manner.”
The survey was executed between January and April of 2019 and comprised of three steps.
Step one collected demographic and behavioral information, step two: physical measurements like blood pressure readings, weight, height, and waist and hip circumference and step three captured biochemical measurements such as fasting blood glucose, total blood cholesterol reading, urinary sodium and creatine levels.
Before recognizing the percentage of people who include bush medicine as part of their good health routine, the survey results were announced by the Minister. The results, though dating back to 2019, were hair-raising.
“The findings were startling and highlighted individual risk, major gaps in our public healthcare system which has failed to adequately address health inequities,” said Darville in his presentation.
This comment set up the need for the Health and Wellness Unit and the need to embrace native customs like bush medicines, which many Bahamians prefer to over the country or prescribed medications.
The survey revealed that 23.3 percent of respondents have hypertension, 60 percent of which were taking medications as professionally prescribed and seven percent who never had their blood pressure measured. Also, about 40 percent of the participants who were “non-compliant” with medication had elevated high blood pressure readings at the time of the survey and nearly 9 percent of persons with elevated blood pressure readings expressed that they didn’t having a diagnosis of hypertension.
For Diabetes, 12.8 percent of the respondents reported diabetic and about 22.7 percent of respondents said they had never had their blood sugar levels measured.
The percentage of diagnosed respondents taking their medication was less than 45 percent. Additionally, the survey highlighted that nearly 12 percent diabetic participants with diabetes had elevated fasting blood sugar readings at the time of the survey; and almost six percent with high blood sugar readings “denied having a diagnosis of diabetes.”
Regarding weight, 23.8 percent had normal weight according to the body-mass Index. The percentage classified as overweight was 25.4, and 43.4 as obese with a body-mass-index of 40 or more. This indicated that 70 percent of participants were either overweight or obese. Three in ten people failed to meet the global recommendations for sufficient movement generally. 
Approximately half of the participants consumed a minimum of three to seven alcoholic drinks weekly, 30 days to the survey. However, 30 percent were reported as ‘lifetime abstainers,’ which is relatively good news.
Of the respondents, 17.6 percent consumed six or more drinks and in once instance the 30 days to the survey.
“However, Madam Speaker, All is not lost. The Ministry of Health & Wellness will lead a comprehensive, evidence-based, varied, and multi-pronged response to the findings of this survey, as we work with communities across the country, at correcting these serious health challenges facing the nation brought on by diseases directly linked to lifestyles.
My Ministry will implement many modern treatment and management guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease starting at the primary healthcare setting. We will continue to strengthen health system infrastructure across the country with specific focus on the implementation of new digital platforms and monitoring Apps aimed at meeting the healthcare needs of our patients wherever they are,” conveyed the Minister one day before he helped to open the new Health & Wellness Unit.
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Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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