Emphasis on challenges facing seniors and the physically challenged will be the highlight of programmes during this week's Public Health Week.

Health Minister Patrice Minors said on Friday that the week will "raise awareness of public health programmes and activities and to recognise the contributions of public health and prevention services to the well being of the entire Island."

The theme of the week is "Health Disparities" and events will include a Health Fair held in the wheelchair accessible cafeteria at CedarBridge Academy on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"The Health Fair will showcase a variety of health booths where the general public, in particular our seniors and physically challenged community, can learn how the quality of their lives can be improved and what they can do to prevent or lessen the likelihood of certain health problems," Mrs. Minors said.

Fair attendants will be able to check their cholesterol and blood sugar levels and will also receive free health and dental screenings.

TB Cancer and Health Association, Consumer Affairs, Age Concern and the National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged will be manning booths at the fair.

Other events throughout the week include: Open houses and health screenings at the Somerset and St. George's Health Clinics.

The Somerset Clinic will have an open house on April 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the St. George's clinic will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 8.

"For Bermuda to be a truly healthy community, the inequalities in health of the most vulnerable groups must also be addressed. If we get it right for them, we will get it right for the whole community," Mrs. Minors said.