The Health Ministries Department continues its efforts to spread health messages to communities in the Bahamas. From April 3rd to 6th, the department and members of the Adventist Health Professions Association and the Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries traveled to Cat Island to host a series of health lectures and exhibitions. 

The contingent met with the Coordinator of Tourism for Cat Island, Denise Bethel, along with Island Administrator Gilbert Kemp, and visited elderly members of the community. 

On April 4, the group visited Old Bight Primary and High Schools, Dumfries, and Arthur’s Town Schools. There, they engaged with the students and informed them about the choices they can make to live healthy and Godly lives. The students also learned about the functions of the colon. Old Bight Primary School Principal Willette Rolle expressed gratitude to the team for encouraging the children to make healthy choices.

Rolle said, “We're excited to have [the team] because it's important for them to learn about their bodies and their health, and how they can use the foods they eat to increase their knowledge.”

Rolle explained that this expo can encourage the children to share what they learned with their parents. 

Rolle said, “The kids have learned about cancer, so seeing the colon itself and seeing the actual parts for my upper primary students is beneficial for them because they only see pictures. So basically, to see the colon itself is exciting for them.”

The group welcomed the Sabbath with a health lecture provided by district pastor Craig Williams, who presented on the topic, “Demystifying Stroke.” He shared the signs of a stroke and how to care for individuals affected by it. The health missionaries worshipped at Seaview Church with the members, where Health Ministries Director Shandera Smith reminded the congregation of the importance of integrating health practices with their faith in God. The trip concluded with a health expo that, according to Shandera Smith, received overwhelming support from the community. 

Smith said, “Persons got their weight, their BMI, their body fat assessment, their blood pressure and blood sugar assessed.”

“Then we have the expo with the eight natural laws of health. We also have a section just for the children. So we are just so overjoyed that we could have over 26, almost 30 who have come down to share in this health intervention where our theme is health by choice, not by chance,” Smith added.

This trip also highlighted the importance of animal health. Veterinarian Dr. Luvonne Wilson shared signs and symptoms to look for when caring for pets, as well as home remedies for family island residents. The group plans to continue advocating healthy principles throughout the Bahamas with another Family Island health outreach trip to Inagua from June 6-9. All interested individuals can contact 433-6917 or 428-4251.