The harsh realities facing Bermuda’s most vulnerable populations — children and seniors due to economic hard times — dominated discussion at the Well Bermuda Annual Meeting.

The meeting’s theme this year stressed the importance of collaboration between Well Bermuda Partnership and the Bermuda Healthy Schools Programme. According to Department of Health Acting Director David Kendell, last week’s gathering was sobered by stories of “children attending school hungry and seniors having to choose between paying for medication or paying for groceries”.

But on the up side, he said, the meeting was “bolstered by tales of residents adopting healthier lifestyles and practices after being educated and empowered, receiving free health screenings and being connected with care”.

“The Well Bermuda Partners are dedicated to improving the health of Bermuda’s residents through prevention, promotion and protection activities,” said Mr Kendell. “Without the health and well-being of our population we cannot create or enjoy wealth. Health must come first.”

Launched in 2006, the Well Bermuda National Health Promotion Strategy provides a clear vision for a healthy Bermuda.

The annual meeting presents opportunities for all the lead agencies to come together and report on the progress made towards achieving their goals.

Mr Kendell added: “A tremendous amount takes place in Bermuda to control and contain preventable health threats.”

And he said the scope of the work now underway is expansive.

He noted that the meetings provide “the chance to reflect on our successes and challenges and plan further action to achieve the goals that we have set”.

“Additional community partnerships and alliances are being mobilised, health policies and laws are being reviewed, created and modernised, healthcare providers being trained and aligned with best practices and competencies and research is being conducted.

“The value of a healthy lifestyle is immeasurable. It is essential to ensure quality of life for children, adults and seniors.

“Additionally, a healthy population is fundamental to ensure a capable workforce and future capacity.”

His comments were echoed by Health Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin who also highlighted the importance of collaboration in promoting holistic health.

“With all of us working in coordination with each other, the impact of our efforts will be magnified exponentially,” said the Minister.

“Each member of this partnership brings unique contributions toward the common goal of a Well Bermuda.”

Ms Gordon-Pamplin continued: “The health concerns of the 21st century are very different from what we faced just 50 years ago.

“Today the most significant health problems in Bermuda are strongly related to lifestyle factors and tackling these problems requires new ways of thinking and working, hence the need for coordinated efforts through a National Health Promotion Strategy.”

Attendees included representatives from the lead agencies, Department of Health Administration, the Minister and a special featured guest.

The keynote speaker was Healthy Schools Coordinator Marie Beach-Johnson, along with teacher Sonia Dawes and Deputy Principal at Victor Scott School, Stephen Coddington.

Ms Dawes shared her moving journey to becoming healthier by losing close to 150 pounds through healthy eating and exercise.

Mr Coddington shared various health promoting programmes and activities at the school for children and teachers.

The initiative was derived in 2004 when 20 community and government organisations came together to review the leading causes of death in Bermuda, based on self-reported conditions in the 2000 Census, the 1999 Adult Wellness Survey and the 2001 Teen Wellness Survey.

Topping the list of “most pressing health issues” in Bermuda are: overweight and obesity, heart disease and stroke, respiratory diseases, diabetes, accidents and violence, sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, mental illness, back spine problems, cancer, substance abuse, smoking, chronic renal disease and arthritis.

The Well Bermuda National Health Promotion strategy was developed to provide a unifying vision, a shared agenda with common goals and objectives so Bermuda can achieve better results in efforts to improve health.