On 13th October 2022 HCC collaborated with CIBC First Caribbean to host a Regional Know Your Numbers (KYN) Campaign in twelve (12) Caribbean countries. During the campaign HCC was supported by ten (10) HCC members and supporters to make it a success.
The HCC has been supporting CIBC First Caribbean in executing various workplace wellness programs. The goal for the Know Your Number Campaign is to raise awareness and increase detection of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. During the campaign the following health tests were conducted for the CIBC First Caribbean staff members:
- Blood sugar testing
- Blood pressure testing
- Cholesterol testing
- Body Mass Index
- Body Weight
- Breast Screening (St Kitts and Nevis only)
During the KYN campaign over three hundred (300) persons received health checks.
Also as part of this campaign CIBC First Caribbean in collaboration with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition has produced a series of Health Check videos which can be viewed on the links below.
- Dr. Dawn Alleyne – Asthma
- Dr. Hanbal Yazigi – Cancer
- Dr. Timotheus Dohr – Diabetes
- Dr. Kenneth Connell – Hypertension
- Dr. Keo Forde-St. Hill – Mental Health
Here is a snippet of the HCC/FCIB Know Your Numbers Campaign.
Antigua and Barbuda (Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association)
Twenty- four members, 18 females (75%) and 6 males (25%), staff members were tested in Antigua at the CIBC/FCIB Old Parham Branch. Participants were also provided with a form for self-assessment of risk for Type 2 Diabetes, an assessment tool created by the American Diabetes Association. Counseling was provided to staff who either had questions or any abnormal results.
Based on test results, the main concerns were overweight and obesity with reported weight gain especially during the past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress was mentioned fairly often including work related stress.
The ABDA team recommends planning future screening programmes and consideration should be made to developing a workplace wellness programme to include stress management.
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Barbados (Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados)
Forty-four (44) employees were screened in Barbados for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, BMI, and visceral fat. Where adverse results were noted, individual consultations were done. Some clients were advised to seek medical attention due to their high blood pressure readings.
Overall, the Know Your Numbers initiative was proven to be successful, as the screening process exposed abnormally high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and BMI readings, which, before the event would have gone unnoticed. Many employees who were seen became apprised of the need to be more involved in the management of their NCD and the importance of screening and risk factor modification.
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Dominica (Dominica Diabetes Association)
In Dominica twenty-five (25) employees of the CIBC First Caribbean and their relatives received health checks. Of the employees, DOMDA tested 5 males and 20 females within the age range of 23 and 59 years old.
From the screening, it was noted that more than 75% of the employees were living with a Non-Communicable Disease. Most common was obesity, followed by being overweight, and then Diabetes and High Blood Pressure. Clients were rather surprised at their BMI and weight readings but with proper education, all were willing to improve their lifestyle.
Overall, the activity was a success. DOMDA recommends that future follow up sessions can be conducted for these employees and their relatives.
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Jamaica (Heart Foundation of Jamaica)
During the campaign seventy- nine 79 persons blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) health checks. Sixty-four (64) of which were females while fifteen (15) were males.
It is recommended that all persons with abnormal findings and those known to be diagnosed with NCDs schedule an appointment with HFJ’s Nutritionist and/or visit our hypertensive/diabetic clinic. A three to six months checkup is also recommended for those with normal readings and not known to be diagnosed with the above mentioned conditions. A yearly cardiac checkup or otherwise indicated is also recommended as these conditions can place you at a higher risk for having a heart disease.
No photos were taken.
St Lucia (St. Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association)
A total of twenty-one (21) employees were screened for blood pressure, blood sugar, and body analysis by the St. Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA) health
team, at the CIBC First Caribbean Bridge Street branch. SLDHA screened nineteen (19) females and two (2) males. 48% (9) of persons had elevated BMI levels, 4.7% (1 person) had elevated blood sugars and 42.8% (9 persons had elevated blood pressure).
The education session was very interactive and well received by the staff.
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St Vincent (SVG Diabetes & Hypertension Association)
A total of nineteen (19) staff members took the opportunity to have their health screening done. There were thirteen (13) females and six males. Eighteen (18) people were evaluated for blood glucose. Fifteen (15, 83%) had normal values, while three (3) had prediabetes values.
Their findings were discussed as well as the relevant counseling, such as healthy lifestyle choices and modifications. The topics covered included healthy eating, physical activity, weight loss, stress management, and pamphlets given. Additionally, they were advised to monitor their blood pressure at home and follow up with screenings depending on their readings. Those with abnormal findings were advised to see their doctor for further evaluation.
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The Bahamas (Healthy Lifestyle Team, HaLt)
The Healthy Lifestyles Team of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas hosted and facilitated the health checks of participants who presented themselves for health checks. Forty-six (46) participants received health checks and brief counseling regarding their results. They were provided with weight, height, BMI, blood glucose, blood pressure and total cholesterol measurements and the results were documented and dated and presented to each participant for ease of reference. The exercise proved to be quite informative for the participants.
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Grenada (Grenada Food and Nutrition Council and SDA Health Ministries)
In Grenada the team conducted body composition Know Your Numbers assessments (weight, BMI, fat percentage, weight of muscle), blood pressure and blood sugar testing. Nutrition tips and counseling was also provided. A total of thirty (33) persons were seen (23 females and 10 males).
The health team encourages staff and their families to have regular health assessments as well as improve their eating habits so that they gradually make changes to a healthier lifestyle.
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St Kitts and Nevis ( Lake Health Wellbeing, Ministry of Health and International Cooperation Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF)
Eighteen (18) persons were screened in St Kitts and Nevis. Of this total nine (9) were male and nine (9) were female. Twelve (12) persons also participated in the Breast Examination.
Staff members are encouraged to increase physical activity. The SKN Moves initiative and the healthy workplace challenge that the Ministry of Health has launched is a good place to start to help get staff moving.
It is also recommend that continuous health screenings of blood pressure, blood sugar, protein urea and BMI are done every 6 months to a year for persons who are not diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes; those who are diagnosed are encouraged to follow up with their general doctor monthly or as required. The Capacity Building Project of the Prevention and Control of Metabolic Chronic Diseases in the Ministry of Health can assist in the health screenings.
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Trinidad and Tobago (TTNCD Alliance/ Health Net)
The CIBC Know Your Numbers campaign was executed at CIBC’s Port of Spain, #74 Long Circular Road, Maraval and Chaguanas, Sun Plaza, Munroe Road, Chaguanas locations on Thursday 20th October from 9:00am to 12:00pm (simultaneously). Twenty-five (25) persons from each branch were tested.
The service provider, HealthNet, also allocated a doctor to the branches for on-location consultations for the participants. This additional service was welcomed as it added a wholesome approach to the initiative.
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