分类： health

October marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding and support for mental health issues. Clinical and organisational psychologist Kelly Mc Farlane underscores the significance of this observance, noting that mental health challenges can affect anyone, whether through stress, loss, or anxiety. These issues impact individuals, families, workplaces, and communities in both positive and negative ways. Mc Farlane emphasizes that understanding mental health is the first step toward protecting it, and global observances like World Mental Health Day on October 10 provide opportunities for collective reflection and practical change. This year’s theme, ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ is particularly relevant in the Caribbean, where natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic have left lasting emotional scars. Mc Farlane highlights the need for increased awareness of available mental health resources, including public sector clinics and hospital mental health departments. She acknowledges that while stigma around mental health is decreasing, it remains a significant barrier to care. Social support, she notes, plays a crucial role in recovery, and she advocates for more campaigns and education to reduce stigma. Mc Farlane also points to encouraging trends, such as increased openness to mental health conversations among younger people and men. For those hesitant to seek help, she advises starting the conversation with someone they trust or a mental health professional. Dietitian Dana Chong adds that nutrition plays a vital role in mental health, with foods like green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and walnuts boosting brain health. She warns against the negative effects of poor nutrition and processed foods, recommending a balanced diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics. Chong also stresses the importance of hydration and cautions against excessive caffeine and sugar intake. As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, both Mc Farlane and Chong urge individuals to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.

Michelle Clement, a dedicated police officer for 15 years, faced a life-altering moment in October 2022 when she was diagnosed with stage 4, grade 2 invasive lobular carcinoma, a form of breast cancer that had spread to both breasts and her lymph nodes. The news initially plunged her into fear and uncertainty, but Clement chose to lean on her faith and resilience to fight the disease. ‘The first thought that came to my mind was that I was going to die and leave my family behind,’ she recounted. However, she made a conscious decision to choose hope over despair, reminding herself that her faith in God was stronger than any medical diagnosis. Clement’s cancer was hormone receptor-positive, which opened up treatment options that have helped slow the progression of the disease and improve her quality of life. For her, every day is now a victory, and she celebrates small milestones with gratitude. Physically, the treatments have been grueling, leaving her tired, weak, and nauseous. Emotionally, she struggled with the thought of her family’s future without her. Yet, spiritually, she found strength in her faith, holding onto the belief that God’s strength is made perfect in her weakness. Clement’s journey has brought her closer to her family, especially her daughters, Clay-Ann and Chloe, who have been her pillars of support. Clay-Ann, 18, and Chloe, 21, have both been inspired by their mother’s courage and resilience. ‘She is, without a doubt, one of the strongest people I’ve ever known,’ Chloe said. Clement hopes her story will encourage others to prioritize regular screenings and early detection. ‘Cancer is not a death sentence,’ she emphasized. ‘Even at stage 4, you can still live a full, meaningful, and joyful life.’ She urges families facing similar challenges to stay positive, do their research, and surround themselves with uplifting people. Clement dreams of a future where cancer has a cure and looks forward to seeing her children graduate, get married, and start families of their own. Her message to women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is clear: ‘Cancer is a word, not the end of your story.’

Furillo Narine, a 39-year-old from Couva, Trinidad, never imagined that a small lump in his chest would change his life forever. Initially dismissing it as insignificant, it was only after a playful moment with his son and his wife’s insistence that he sought medical advice. In August 2022, Narine was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, a condition he didn’t believe could affect men. His disbelief turned to shock when the diagnosis escalated to stage 3A after the cancer spread to his lymph nodes. Undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy, Narine’s battle was grueling. The emotional toll of losing his hair and a near-fatal sepsis episode during his final chemotherapy session marked the darkest moments of his journey. Yet, through it all, his wife Joanne Sinanansingh remained his pillar of strength. Post-recovery, Narine left his corporate career to start his own business, The Mac Man TT, focusing on online sales and tech support. More importantly, he prioritized his health and family, reclaiming precious moments with his loved ones. Narine now uses his story to raise awareness that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, urging men to seek medical attention if they notice unusual symptoms. His journey is a testament to resilience, love, and the importance of redefining life’s priorities.

In a landmark move toward social justice and inclusion, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced the establishment of a Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment Centre in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). This initiative, unveiled during a ceremony at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s on October 3, underscores the government’s commitment to restoring independence and dignity to individuals with disabilities. The Jaipur Foot Organisation, renowned globally for its cost-effective and innovative prosthetic solutions, has already transformed millions of lives worldwide. By bringing this model to TT, the nation takes a significant step toward ensuring free, world-class prosthetic services for its citizens. This project transcends healthcare, embodying a broader vision of equity and social participation. It aligns with the Equal Opportunity Commission’s (EOC) mandate to combat discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all, particularly for those with disabilities, who are protected under the Equal Opportunity Act. The centre will not only provide medical support but also empower individuals to rejoin the workforce, pursue education, and engage fully in their communities. The initiative’s far-reaching benefits include economic empowerment, emotional well-being, and national development, as restored mobility enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. The project is a testament to international collaboration, with the TT government partnering with India’s government and the Jaipur Foot Organisation. This partnership emphasizes sustainability through knowledge transfer and local capacity building. The EOC lauds this effort as part of a broader national strategy to foster inclusion, urging employers and educational institutions to embrace accessibility and diversity. The establishment of the Jaipur Foot Centre is a moral and national achievement, reflecting TT’s commitment to treating its most vulnerable members with dignity and respect. It serves as a reminder that investing in people’s potential strengthens the nation’s future. The EOC encourages citizens to celebrate this progress while continuing to address challenges to ensure every individual in TT has the opportunity to thrive.