SVGPPA gives Vincentians health advice

Vincentians were educated about various aspects of health on Friday, when the St Vincent Planned Parenthood Association hosted a day of awareness.{{more}}

The association took the opportunity to provide various testing services to the public at half price.

The HIV Rapid Test, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, as well as pap smears were among the tests administered.

In addition, tents were set up on the compound in Paul’s Avenue, to offer information on a variety of topics that ranged from Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs) and insurance plans to the rights of a child.

“Enlightening people about STIs and HIV/AIDS and sharing basic information that people may want to know” is what Jonathon Edwards of Population Service International (PSI) set out to do.

Edwards’ booth showcased paraphernalia that highlighted types of Sexually Transmitted Infections and a range of facts about them, including preventive methods.

Senior nutritionist from the Nutrition Unit Joyce Burgin was also on hand to educate persons about the dietary guidelines for Vincentians, which was developed in 2006.

“What we want is for Vincentians to actually start using the guidelines,” said Burgin.

“We want to get them into every household…this will help to reduce the risk of development of the chronic diseases in St Vincent and the Grenadines”.

Also present were representatives from Facey Trading SVG Limited, who had on display a variety of their products which promoted comfort for babies and cost efficiency for businesses and homes.

“Leak is out of the question when it comes to Huggies,” said Earl Mckie, Key Account salesman, about the diaper brand.

The sales representative for Kimberly Clarke products boasted the cost efficient benefits of their sanitary products that include tissue dispensers, hand sanitizers and hand soaps in foam form.

“We want the companies to see where they can save money,” Dickson said. “We take your records in terms of how often you buy and what products you buy and we show you a cost analysis in terms of whether we can actually save you money or not”.

Other booths included GTM Insurance, which highlighted basic accidental plans that were offered by their company, representatives from the Ministry of National Mobilisation, sensitizing the public on child abuse and the rights of a child, as well as representatives from Nutrilite, promoting healthy bodies in men and women with the necessary vitamins that are made naturally by their company.

The day of awareness, which was held in Paul’s Avenue at the Planned Parenthood Association compound, started at around 9 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m.