分类： health

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when advocates like Jermaine N. Edwards amplify efforts to educate and inspire action. This year, however, the message is deeply personal. Edwards, a long-time advocate, has revealed her own diagnosis of breast cancer, transforming her role from supporter to patient. Her candid disclosure underscores the profound impact of the disease, not only on the individual but on their entire circle of loved ones. Edwards reflects on the emotional and spiritual toll of cancer, sharing her journey from strength to vulnerability, and from fear to determination. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, self-examination, and community support, urging women to prioritize their health and seek help at the first sign of concern. Edwards’ story is a powerful call to action, blending personal resilience with a broader message of awareness and advocacy. She vows to fight with unwavering hope, embodying the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month not just as an advocate, but as a survivor in the making.

Sandra Scotland-Williams, the wife of Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, has opened up about her ongoing health struggles following a series of major surgeries. In a candid Facebook post on Friday, Scotland-Williams revealed that she underwent spinal surgery in the United Kingdom and additional procedures in Trinidad. She disclosed that the surgeries have left her with paralysis in her left hand and arm, and she remains uncertain about the possibility of regaining full functionality. ‘Time will tell if things will ever be ‘normal’ again,’ she wrote. Scotland-Williams also shared graphic details of her medical journey, explaining that her neck was incised from ear to ear to allow neurosurgeons to perform their work. Her vertebrae were replaced with a metal cage, and she continues to battle pulmonary embolism, which has caused significant swelling. Despite these challenges, she remains resilient, stating, ‘We never know what life holds. Always be prepared to deal with whatever curve ball you are thrown. I’m still standing.’ Her heartfelt disclosure has garnered an outpouring of support and well wishes from the public, highlighting her strength and determination in the face of adversity.

The Ministry of Works (MOW) has officially completed the construction of the new Cobbs Cross Clinic, marking a significant milestone in healthcare development for the St. Paul’s community in Antigua and Barbuda. The state-of-the-art facility, now under the commissioning process by the Ministry of Health, is poised to deliver enhanced medical services to residents upon its imminent opening. This project underscores the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Health, highlighting their shared commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The completion of the clinic is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Health to upgrade healthcare facilities across Antigua and Barbuda. Officials expressed gratitude to the dedicated teams from both ministries whose hard work made this achievement possible. The Ministry of Works has reaffirmed its ongoing support for the Ministry of Health’s extensive healthcare modernization efforts, ensuring that communities nationwide benefit from improved access to quality medical care.

In a significant move to bolster its public health infrastructure, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of diploma and graduate-level public health programs at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS). This initiative, spearheaded by the Honourable Minister of Health, Wellness, the Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, aims to address the critical shortage of trained public health professionals in the country.

St. Paul’s annual Health Month has officially commenced, with Parliamentary Representative E.P. Chet Greene urging residents to take proactive steps toward improving their well-being. Running from October 1 to 31 under the theme “Healthy Lifestyle …things we can change,” the initiative aims to foster healthier habits through a series of activities, including health screenings, public lectures, radio programs, and outreach efforts to homes and schools. Greene emphasized that the campaign is not just about individual health but also about strengthening community engagement and collective responsibility. In his Health Month message, Greene highlighted the importance of mindful consumption, advising residents to “eat and drink wisely” and track their daily water intake. He encouraged active participation in the month’s events, framing the observance as both a personal challenge and a commitment to families, the community, and the nation. “Stay healthy for yourselves, your families, our community, and our country,” Greene stated, underscoring the broader societal impact of individual health choices. The initiative seeks to empower residents to make sustainable lifestyle changes while fostering a culture of health awareness across St. Paul.