Hundreds of locals as well as many tourists took advantage of the one day Public Health Fair put on yesterday in celebration of Public Health month.

The event at the Number One Shed on Front street was opened by Acting Health Minister Alex Scott, who told participants: "Take charge not chance."

Mr. Scott said: "This is in celebration of Public Health Week which is running until Sunday.

"A week to provide the opportunity for the department to raise awareness of health problems facing the community, to highlight public health programmes and activities and to celebrate our public health partners."

Mr. Scott added: "At the Wellness Fair today, nurses and assistants checked blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, weight level and the outcome your coronary risk rating."

Mr. Scott said the main health problems facing our community are HIV and AIDS, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, substance abuse and road safety.

Other things were the sexual protection, dental care, cancer charity PALS, Employee Assistance Programme who are there to deal with your personal and psychological problems and numerous other participants.

This week the Department of Health is sponsoring poster programmes, health screening clinics. Today a health screening will take place at Lindo's in Warwick from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and a health education seminar will take place at St. James Church senior's group.

And tomorrow in St. George's Town Square there will be a health screening from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.