Bayview Laboratory has forged a groundbreaking alliance with CariGenetics, a Bermuda-based genetics firm, to enhance access to genetic testing services in Barbados. This partnership heralds a new chapter in personalized healthcare for the island, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their health and wellness. The collaboration introduces a comprehensive suite of genetic tests, encompassing paternity, familial, and ancestry analysis, alongside insights into nutrition, fitness, skincare, personality traits, medication efficacy, and health risks. Notably, Barbadians will gain access to the region’s inaugural gut microbiome analysis kit, with self-collection kits soon available at Bayview Laboratory and select pharmacies island-wide. Dr. Lyndon Waterman, Lab Director, emphasized the transformative potential of these services, stating, ‘Your DNA holds the key to understanding optimal nutrition, fitness routines, skincare regimens, and even disease predispositions and medication responses.’ Bayview Laboratory’s recent expansion of its testing menu, which now includes cholesterol, HbA1C, and liver and kidney function tests, underscores its commitment to advancing community health. The partnership also aligns with CariGenetics’ mission to address the underrepresentation of Caribbean genetic data in global genomic research. Dr. Carika Weldon, Founder & CEO of CariGenetics, highlighted the broader implications of this disparity, noting, ‘The lack of diverse genomic data, particularly from the Caribbean, results in less effective treatments and inequitable healthcare outcomes. Most medical research is based on European DNA, which represents only 15% of the global population.’ Together, Bayview Laboratory and CariGenetics are not only democratizing access to advanced genetic tests but also establishing a secure, anonymous genomic database to fill critical gaps in global research. This initiative positions Barbados and the wider Caribbean at the forefront of personalized, data-driven healthcare, marking a significant milestone for the region.
分类: health
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200 men turn out for prostate tests at Misty Blue Cancer Care screening drive in Westmoreland
In a significant stride towards community health, approximately 200 men in Westmoreland, Jamaica, participated in a free prostate cancer screening event on September 25. Hosted by the Misty Blue Cancer Care Foundation at Independence Park in Savanna-la-Mar, the event marked the organization’s 10th anniversary of delivering vital health services in the parish. The initiative was widely praised for its accessibility and role in promoting early detection of prostate cancer, a critical factor in improving health outcomes. Participants, including Norman Cole from Negril, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the tests, which included the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exams (DRE). Cole emphasized the cost savings and the thorough follow-up care provided by the Foundation. Victor Sangster of Chantilly Gardens underscored the importance of such events in a region where access to screening remains limited, noting the tragic loss of friends to prostate cancer due to late diagnoses. Joshua Grey commended the staff’s professionalism and the additional health checks, such as blood pressure and sugar level assessments. Dorothy Satchwell, Founder and Chair of the Foundation, shared the organization’s mission to advance community health, rooted in her personal cancer experience. The event, supported by partners like the Westmoreland Health Department and the Sandals Foundation, also included educational sessions on follow-up care and holistic health checks. Gerald Miller, Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, stressed the importance of early detection and the Foundation’s efforts to encourage health-seeking behaviors among men. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of community-driven health programs in combating prostate cancer and improving overall well-being.
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Latin America, Caribbean face risk of 165,000 preventable deaths without stronger primary health care
A groundbreaking report released by the World Bank and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Lancet Regional Health Americas Commission has issued a stark warning: Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) could face up to 165,000 preventable deaths if primary health care (PHC) systems are not significantly strengthened. The report, unveiled during the 62nd Directing Council Meeting of Health Ministers at PAHO headquarters in Washington, DC, underscores the dire consequences of failing to build resilience into the region’s health infrastructure. Health shocks, such as pandemics or natural disasters, could lead to catastrophic human and economic losses, including up to 11,300 maternal deaths, 10,000 child deaths, and over 149,000 deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The societal costs of such disruptions are estimated to range between $7 billion and $37 billion. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, emphasized that resilience in PHC is not optional but essential for health security, social stability, and economic growth. The report also highlighted the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LAC region, which accounted for nearly 30% of global deaths. Jaime Saavedra, World Bank Director of Human Development for the region, stressed that strengthening PHC is one of the most pressing health challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean. The Commission has issued a series of recommendations aimed at mitigating the impact of future health crises and bolstering economic resilience through improved PHC systems.
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Migraine-triggering foods
Migraines, characterized by intense, debilitating headaches, can manifest subtly or strike abruptly, overwhelming sufferers with sensitivity to light, sound, and even minor stimuli. While avoiding triggers is a common strategy, certain foods have been identified as significant contributors to migraine severity. A recent cross-sectional study conducted across university hospitals in Egypt, including Cairo and Alexandria, revealed that unhealthy dietary habits exacerbate migraine symptoms. Foods such as fried meats, aged cheeses (e.g., Cheddar and Swiss), citrus fruits, coffee, pickles, and smoked herring were frequently linked to chronic migraines. Additionally, the American Migraine Foundation highlighted other dietary triggers, including aspartame (found in diet sodas and sugar-free products), monosodium glutamate (MSG) in processed or restaurant foods, yogurt, energy drinks, alcohol (red wine, beer, spirits), bananas, and certain vitamins or herbal supplements. The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) emphasizes that triggers vary among individuals, recommending the use of food journals to self-track potential culprits. Beyond diet, factors like weather, stress, menstrual cycles, and sleep patterns should also be considered. For further information, visit the GFNC website or contact them for nutrition counseling.
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GHTA partners with Spice Isle Imaging Centre for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA), through its Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), has joined forces with Spice Isle Imaging Centre to offer free mammograms to women aged 40 and above. This initiative underscores the TEF’s dedication to community reinvestment and the promotion of health and well-being among Grenadians. Breast cancer remains a prevalent global and local health concern for women. However, early detection through regular screenings, particularly mammograms, significantly enhances treatment success rates. Mammograms are the most effective method for identifying breast cancer in its initial stages, often before symptoms manifest. GHTA CEO Arlene Friday emphasized, ‘Early detection saves lives, and access to screening is crucial. By leveraging the Tourism Enhancement Fund, we can eliminate financial obstacles and provide women with access to this vital health service.’ Women interested in participating must register in advance by calling 444-1353 or emailing [email protected]. Appointments will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited availability. This program is part of a broader series of community-focused initiatives supported by the GHTA Tourism Enhancement Fund, which reinvests contributions from the hospitality sector into projects that benefit Grenada socially, culturally, and economically.
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Westmoreland residents urged to exercise caution following heavy rains
Following a period of intense rainfall and subsequent flooding in Westmoreland, Jamaica, local health authorities are urging residents to exercise extreme caution to avoid contracting leptospirosis. The Westmoreland Public Health Department’s Health Promotion Unit has issued a stern advisory, emphasizing the dangers of wading or traveling through floodwaters, which are considered high-risk environments for the transmission of this bacterial infection. Gerald Miller, the health promotion and education officer for Westmoreland, explained that the leptospira bacteria, which causes leptospirosis, can infiltrate the human body through cuts, abrasions, or broken skin. ‘Floodwaters may contain urine from animals like rats, which can carry the bacteria. Exposure to these waters significantly increases the risk of infection,’ Miller stated. He also highlighted the importance of adults modeling safe behaviors for children, particularly during times of heightened public health risk. Miller urged all family members, including parents and guardians, to educate children about the dangers of walking through puddles or floodwaters. Additionally, he stressed the microscopic and invisible nature of the leptospira bacteria, making it impossible to detect with the naked eye. Miller warned that careless exposure to floodwaters could lead to preventable health complications, further burdening local healthcare facilities. Residents who have been in contact with floodwaters and are experiencing symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, or joint pain are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention. Miller also emphasized the importance of informing healthcare providers about any exposure to floodwaters to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. ‘The message is clear: avoid wading through floodwaters, remain vigilant, especially with children, and seek medical care if symptoms arise after exposure,’ he concluded.




