The Department of Health will observe World Health Day and Public Health Week this week.

World Health Day is on Wednesday April 7 and Public Health Week will be observed from today, Monday April 5, to Sunday April 11.

In keeping with the Public Health Week theme, "A Healthier Bermuda: One Parish at a Time", activities have been designed to encourage individuals, schools, workplaces and the entire community to move more.

The Department of Health will provide the public with information on how to live healthier lives. The week also will recognise advancements in public health, assess the Island's current public health status and highlight the importance of taking action.

A number of events have been planned.

Today, from 11:30 a.m. — 2 p.m., the Department of Health has organised "Get Fit on Front Street" in the grounds of the Cabinet Office. Members of the public are invited to join the event, which will be opened by the Town Crier. A Proclamation will be read by the Acting Minister of Health, Senator Lt. Col. Burch and a one-mile walk on Front Street will follow with several other healthy activities planned for the Cabinet Office grounds.

Tomorrow, from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. the Department of Health will host a health screening for women only at Wesley Square, Church Street, Hamilton. Women will be able to have blood pressure and glucose screenings in addition to health assessments.

Health professionals will be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

Also tomorrow, "Health in the Community" an activity in partnership with the Sandys Community Centre, Sandys 360 and Lefroy House, will take place at Warren Simmons Community Field (Royal Naval Field) in Sandys from 10 a.m. until noon.

On Wednesday, from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m., the Department of Health will collaborate with Argus and the Bermuda Hospitals Board in the Annual Argus Health Fair. The public is invited to attend and to get information on a range of issues from coping with diabetes, substance abuse, oral health, the new hospitalist programme at KEMH and mental health services.

On Thursday from 3:00 — 5 p.m., at Camden, the Premier's official residence, the Ministry of Health will host a private reception to announce the recipients of the 2010 Public Health Awards. These are organisations and individuals who were nominated by the public for their contributions to public health and for encouraging and inspiring health improvements, and healthy lifestyles in the community.

On Friday, from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. at Wesley Square, Church Street, Hamilton, the Department of Health will host a health screening for men only where representatives from CADA, Bermuda Cancer and Health and the Bermuda Heart Foundation will be on hand to give information and answer questions.

Also on Friday, between 10 a.m. and noon, "Health in the Community," an activity in partnership with the St. George's Community Centre and Sylvia Richardson Care Facility will take place at Garrison Field, St. Georges.

For more information, go to www.health.gov.bm, call the Health Promotion Office on 278-6504, or email healthpromotion@gov.bm.