The Argus Health Fair, held at Number One Shed on Front Street yesterday, brought together representatives from 25 different health organisations to celebrate World Health Day.

The fair was officially opened by Health Minister Patrice Minors, while Argus Group CEO Gerald Simons and Bermuda Hospitals Board chief executive officer Joan Dillas-Wright addressed the crowd.

Mr. Simons called on business leaders, Government officials and the community at large to show a "sustained commitment" to promote healthy living.

"The Argus Health Fair has been designed to raise public awareness on how healthy lifestyles and proactive medical testing can greatly improve a person's quality of life," he said.

"Many of the illnesses that affect the Bermudian population are preventable ... the health fair provides a great opportunity for people to test their current state of health and get good advice on how they can improve it going forward."

A broad range of health care practitioners and specialists were on hand to offer advice on topics including Alzheimer's, asthma, diabetes, nursing, alternative medicine and drug abuse.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board announced the launch of its new website yesterday.

The site, www.bermudahospitals.bm, was created to provide a greater output of information about the day-to-day workings of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and St. Brendan's.

BHB CEO Joan Dillas-Wright said yesterday she is "very excited" about the initiative.

"We invite the public to explore our new website and let us know what you think via the online feedback form," she said.

"The site will allow us to readily share information with the community about our programmes and our services. As the Island's only hospitals, it's very important that we're able to do this in real time."

Information on the site includes:

An extensive listing of services offered by the hospitals, including a description of services, location, hours of operation and contact information.

A careers section where prospective employees can search, view and apply for new jobs.

Up-to-date news and publications.

A calendar of continuing education and continuing medical education activities for physicians and healthcare professionals.