Open day on women’s health |31 May 2016

Some of the women who came to check on their health status during the screening on Saturday

A health screening package was being offered at the Beau Vallon health centre on Saturday to help keep women’s health in check.

The aim was to target women who often find themselves committed to their work and do not find the time to check on their health status as women’s health is one of the key factors that contributes to a healthy family.

It also provided the opportunity to discuss certain health concerns which are part of their annual physical examination routine on diverse health topics.

They included screening for HIV, non-communicable diseases (NCD), body mass index (BMI), blood sugar, blood pressure, urine check, cholesterol level, dental screening, pap smear test, foot care, eye testing and counselling on any health issues.

This activity came about after last year’s success with the same package in September.

However new elements were added to the package such as specialists from Vision Care, an educational session on no smoking by Barathi Viswanathan from UPCCD unit. Nutritionists and physiotherapists were also present.

Nurse manager of the northern region, Lizie Estico, said drawing on last year’s success they decided to host another screening package for women but once more focused on families.

Vision Care optometrist Sven Mehlhorn said: “The Ministry of Health asked us to take part in this screening exercise so we decided to come with a few machines and we are providing screening for glaucoma, eye pressure, diabetes in the eye or any other diseases that manifest inside the eye.”

Doreen Mousmie from Le Niole said: “I’m doing this for my well-being and I’ve taken this opportunity while bringing my son for his dressing.”

Sixty-six-year-old Yvonne Souris from Bel Ombre came down to do all tests being offered and she brought her husband along to do the same.

“It’s a very good initiative, I think this should be held two or three times a year and more publicity needs to be done to raise more awareness and it’s a pity for those who don’t make use of these kinds of opportunities because this is a very big effort on the part of the Ministry of Health,” she said.

Gester Victor from Beau Vallon is one of the few men who took part in this activity.

He had brought his mother to see the doctor so he decided to take the opportunity to do a few tests while he waited for her.

“It’s a very good initiative and it should be done every three months if possible,” he said.