Against a backdrop of escalating public health concerns over the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and cancer in the Dominican Republic, a leading national nursing figure has issued a clear call for citizens to prioritize balanced, nutritious dietary habits to reduce individual and systemic health risks.
Priscilla Prevost, a family nurse practitioner who serves as president of the National Nurses Council, outlined her evidence-based dietary guidance during a public address on September 13, 2026. She stressed that consistent intake of nutrient-dense whole foods forms the foundation of long-term physical wellness, and that intentional dietary choices are a powerful, accessible tool for preventing chronic illness.
Prevost broke down the core components of a balanced daily diet, noting that the body requires consistent intake of six key groups: carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. She specifically advised the public to cut back on consumption of simple carbohydrates, particularly added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages, and increase intake of fiber-rich whole foods. She highlighted many locally grown staples as excellent fiber sources, including ground provisions, breadfruit, plantains, and green bananas, alongside a wide range of other fresh fruits.
The nursing leader also offered clear guidance for making informed choices around protein and fat consumption. She outlined common animal-based protein sources including meat, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese, while emphasizing that plant-based options such as beans, peas, nuts, seeds, and soy products deliver high-quality protein with additional nutritional benefits. Prevost encouraged Dominicans to shift toward a more plant-forward eating pattern, limiting consumption of animal products to moderate portions rather than making them the center of every meal.
She added that many essential healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs to function optimally are readily available in local fresh produce grown across the Dominican Republic, making nutrient-dense eating accessible for most communities. As the country continues to grapple with the growing public health and economic burden of chronic illnesses and cancer, Prevost emphasized that adopting simple, sustainable healthy dietary practices can significantly strengthen individual long-term health outcomes.
Prevost also drew attention to dietary risks that often arise at social events and communal gatherings, urging both hosts and guests to make more intentional choices. She called on event organizers to include a range of nutritious meal options, and advised attendees navigating buffet settings to prioritize balanced plates filled with vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and moderate portions of quality protein, rather than overindulging in meats, cheeses, and other foods high in saturated fat.
Wrapping up her address, Prevost warned that repeated poor dietary choices do not only increase the risk of serious health complications such as high cholesterol — they also drive up individual and national medical expenses, placing unnecessary strain on households and the country’s healthcare system. She closed by reinforcing a core message: prevention and personal responsibility are critical to reducing the population-wide risk of NCDs and cancer, and meaningful progress starts with small, consistent healthier choices at every meal.
“We could have done better by just making healthier food choices,” she said.