Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2024 – On Saturday, 14^th September 2024, Caribbean Wellness Day will be observed across the region, marking an important initiative to raise awareness and spur action against the rising tide of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These diseases—such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer—pose a significant threat to the health, economy, and development of the Caribbean. Caribbean Wellness Day encourages collective efforts across CARICOM Member States to address this pressing issue and promote healthier lifestyles.

This year’s theme, “Power Through Collective Action: Good Health is Our Right,” highlights the shared responsibility in tackling NCDs and emphasises that access to good health is a fundamental right for all.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), Caribbean Wellness Week will extend from September 14-20, 2024. On 14^th September, the Minister of Health and Human Services Shaun D Malcolm will deliver a special message to encourage all citizens to prioritize their health and well-being, particularly in the fight against NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Continuing throughout the week the Ministry of Health and Human Sevices will be celebrating with a series of daily wellness-focused themes designed to engage the community and inspire action towards better health.

1. Mindful Social Media Monday – “Tune In, Unplug, and Thrive!” 

The week kicks off with a focus on social media mindfulness. On Monday, 16 September, the focus is on being mindful of social media consumption. Citizens are encouraged to take breaks from screens to enhance mental wellness, engage in offline activities, and connect more meaningfully with those around them.

2. Tasty Tuesday – “Nourish Your Body, Fuel Your Life!” 

Healthy eating takes center stage on Tuesday. This day promotes the enjoyment of nutritious, delicious meals that fuel the body and nurture overall wellness, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on flavour. Everyone is encouraged to incorporate more fresh produce into their meals, with local chefs and nutritionists offering tips on how to make fruits and vegetables a more integral part of daily diets.

3. Water Wednesday – “Hydrate to Elevate!” 

Staying hydrated is essential to overall health. Water Wednesday reminds everyone to prioritise drinking water to stay energised, improve mental clarity, and support overall physical well-being. Join us in our water challenge.

4. Talk It Out Thursday – “Break the Silence, Heal the Mind!”

On Talk It Out Thursday, we are focusing on the importance of open conversations about mental health. By breaking the silence and discussing mental health openly, we can reduce stigma, provide support, and foster healing. This day encourages everyone to speak up, seek help when needed, and support others in their mental wellness journey, promoting a healthier and more supportive community.

5. Fitness Friday – “Move Today, Feel Great Tomorrow!”

As Caribbean Wellness Week comes to a close, Fitness Friday serves as a powerful reminder that physical activity is essential for long-term health and well-being. Whether it’s through sports, dance, walking, or any form of exercise, staying active boosts energy levels, enhances strength, and increases overall happiness. In the spirit of Fitness Friday, we encourage everyone to wear sneakers to work! This simple gesture is not only a fun way to get involved but also serves as a reminder to move more throughout the day.

As part of the activities for Caribbean Wellness Week, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will host a special edition of the Health Matters Radio Show on Monday, 16 September 2024, on Radio Turks and Caicos, 89.1 FM at 10 am. The programme will feature Mrs Lakeisha Gardiner-Wilson, a well-respected nutrition expert, who will discuss the vital role of nutrition in preventing and managing NCD.

The Minister of Health and Human Services, Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm commented, “Caribbean Wellness Day and Wellness Week serve as a reminder that collective action is essential in the fight against NCDs. We can promote healthier lifestyles, prevent these diseases, and take control of our future. Let’s commit to encouraging physical activity, adopting and maintaining healthy diets, prioritizing our mental health, and scheduling regular health check-ups. Good health is not just a goal—it’s our right”.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), invites all citizens to actively participate in Caribbean Wellness Week. These initiatives are designed to empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health and contribute to a healthier society.

Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2024 – The Health Professions (Amendment) Ordinance and Regulations 2024 was passed in the House of Assembly on 25 July 2024, assented to by Her Excellency, the Governor, and came into force on 16 August 2024.

This updated Ordinance and Regulations brings changes to the operations of the Health Professions Councils and registration and licensing requirements:

1. The Medicine and Dentistry Professions Council shall be expanded to include the Chief Veterinarian and an additional member from the medical profession. The Council has been renamed the Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Professions Council.
2. Registration categories have been updated to:
3. a)Unrestricted list divided into two categories:
4. Full registration – resident health professionals
5. Full registration – temporary or visiting health professionals, which shall apply to a health professional who intends to work in the Islands temporarily, but on frequent visits in any given year.

(b) Provisional list divided into two categories:

1. Provisional list-interns,
2. Provisional list-temporary or visiting health professionals, which shall apply to a health professional who intends to work in the Islands temporarily only on one visit.
3. Nursing and Midwifery:

Responsibilities of the Nursing and Midwifery Professions Council have been expanded to include:

(a) the power to control the training and administer examinations of nursing professionals including, nurses, midwives, assistant nurses and nursing students

(b) to approve the basic registered nursing curriculum offered by a tertiary institution in the Islands

(c) to enter into an agreement with a tertiary institution in the Islands to administer the examinations.

4. Investigations and Compliance Officer

(a)    A compliance officer under the Authority shall have the power to investigate and monitor health professionals to ensure compliance under this Ordinance, to assist a council and generally for the furtherance of the functions of compliance, monitoring and enforcement

(b)    A compliance officer shall have the power to enter premises where a health professional works or is purported to work in order to ascertain whether a health professional is complying with the conditions of this Ordinance

5. Verification for Medical Doctor who uses the Migrant Health Portal

(a) The Authority shall verify the qualifications, registration and licensing status and good standing of a medical doctor who intends to upload patient records under the migrant health portal

(b) The section applies to a medical doctor who is not registered and licensed in the Islands.

6. Police record shall be now valid once dated within the past six (6) months to the date of application
7. Updated requirements for renewal of annual licence, including:
8. a)Proof of completion of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements
9. b)For applicants on the unrestricted list-temporary or visiting, original letter of good standing or online verification certificate of good standing, of not more than three months old.

Turks and Caicos, September 20, 2024 – As schools and day-care centres across the community welcome children back, the Ministry of Health and Human Services is encouraging parents and educators to stay alert for cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). To date, 16 cases of HFMD have been identified in school-aged children on the island of Providenciales between July and September 2024. HFMD is a common viral illness that typically affects young children under the age of 5 years but can affect anyone. While HFMD is generally mild, it spreads quickly in environments such as classrooms and playgrounds where kids are in close contact. This is why it is important for families and schools to take simple, effective steps to help prevent the spread of the virus.

HFMD is caused by a group of viruses, most commonly the Coxsackievirus. Parents and caregivers should keep an eye out for these symptoms:

1. Fever
2. Mouth sores – small, red spots inside the mouth that can be painful
3. Skin rash – often on the hands, feet, and buttocks
4. Sore throat
5. Loss of appetite
6. Irritability – particularly in infants and toddlers

Although most children recover fully within a week or so, HFMD can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, lead to dehydration if eating or drinking becomes painful.

The virus can be passed from one person to another through:

1. Close contact with infected bodily fluids like saliva, mucus, or stool.
2. Touching contaminated surfaces and toys.
3. Droplets in the air when someone sneezes or coughs.

This is why schools, day-care centres, and playgrounds are high-risk environments.

Here are some practical tips to help stop the spread of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:

1. Frequent Handwashing:  Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent HFMD. Children should wash their hands after using the bathroom, before eating, and after playing outdoors. Teachers and caregivers can help by making handwashing a regular part of the day.
2. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Toys, countertops, and doorknobs should be cleaned and disinfected regularly, especially in shared spaces like classrooms and play areas.
3. Avoid Close Contact:   If your child has symptoms of HFMD, it is essential to keep them home from school or daycare. Allowing them time to rest at home prevents the virus from spreading to other children. Make sure they stay at home until their fever has gone down and their sores have healed.
4. Practice Good Hygiene Habits: Teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing. Remind them not to share utensils, cups, or personal items with others.
5. Stay Hydrated: If your child has mouth sores, drinking fluids can be difficult, but staying hydrated is important. Offer soothing drinks like cold water or milk to help them stay comfortable.

In most cases, HFMD will clear up on its own within 7 to 10 days. Treatment is for symptoms. Take paracetamol (NOT ASPIRIN) to help soothe the sore mouth or throat.  Avoid hot, spicy or salty food. Antibiotics are not needed.

However, if your child is having trouble swallowing, shows signs of dehydration (such as not urinating much), or has a high fever that lasts more than a couple of days, it is time to consult your healthcare provider. By monitoring symptoms, practising good hygiene, and staying informed, we can all help reduce the spread of HFMD. Working together, parents, schools, and day-care centres can ensure that children stay healthy and continue to enjoy a safe learning environment.

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