A fitness campaign aimed at inspiring the BVI community to be active was launched today May 17.

“We want persons to get in at least 10,000 steps per day,” Coordinator of Health Promotions Services and the focal point for Non Communicable Diseases, Ms. Ivy George said. “We want you to form walking groups, we want you to get involved in sports, get a gym membership, dance or anything that will get you moving. The goal is to be active your way every day,” she added.

Ms. George stated that one of the aims of the Ministry and Health and Social Development is to encourage community based physical activity as a means of achieving a healthier Virgin Islands through their Run/Walk for Health programme, which is carried out in partnership with the BVI Olympic Committee.

She said “The goal of the programme is to encourage persons to engage in regular physical activity for health and well-being.  Physical activity is an integral part of the plan of action for the prevention of non-communicable diseases.”

According to the Health Promotions Services Coordinator, adults are encouraged to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily. Persons should include activities such as brisk walking, running, dancing, swimming and playing sports, to get health benefits from physical activity.

“Do it for your children; do it for your family; do it for you.  The healthier you are more time you have with your loved ones and the closer we would be collectively in achieving a healthier Virgin Islands.” Ms. George added.

Persons are asked to eat with their health in mind, exercise with their youth in mind, and live with their family in mind as the Ministry continues to promote active lifestyles.

The campaign’s theme is, “Be Active Your Way Every Day” and activities will culminate in September with Caribbean Wellness Day.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has implemented a ten-year strategy to improve the health and well being of the population and reduce the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The strategy prioritises prevention by integrating policies and action across multiple settings where people live, play and work to improve health and save lives.