Nearly 1,000 islanders descended on Victoria Park on Thursday night for the Department of Health’s ‘Celebrating Wellness’ party.

The event is designed to promote healthy living and was hailed a big success.

Director of the Department of Health, David Kendell, said: “Last night was a huge success and I want to recognise the contribution of everyone who volunteered and participated and helped to make the Zumba Party the amazing event that it was.

“The Celebrating Wellness event saw a record number of participants — with the gate count being 984 people, which is double last year’s count.

“Additionally, there were more than 50 tables set up offering health and wellness information and health screenings for attendees.

“I would like to congratulate my Department of Health colleagues for everything that they are doing to protect the health of the population, prevent communicable and non-communicable disease, and promote health and wellness, and for their commitment, camaraderie and teamwork that is at the heart of our success.”

The event was attended by Health Minister Jeanne Atherden and Shadow Health Minister Kim Wilson.

Ms Atherden said: “The Department of Health would like to call on employers, in particular, to seek innovative ways to put physical activities back into the workplace.

“This doesn’t have to be a costly initiative, as offices can be ‘redesigned’ to encourage walking.

“Incentives can also be offered to staff to take the stairs rather than the elevator or even to bike to work or take walks during breaks.”

She added: “It is vital that we halt, and indeed reverse, this growing trend of overweight and obese citizens in Bermuda. The benefits of physical activity are numerous and undeniable as it is an essential component of maintaining good physical and mental health.”