Health checkers nurse Caroline Dingboom (left) and Dr. Marije Veerman.
ST. EUSTATIUS--The ambulance parking lot of Queen Beatrix Medical Center (QBMC) will be transformed into a fast-track health check on Friday, January 22. A team of five nurses and one doctor has been recruited to carry out four simple yet tell-tale medical tests. All residents and visitors to St. Eustatius are welcome to pass by between 6:30 and 9:30am to take part in this free health service and be rewarded by a healthy breakfast.
The health check is the result of collaboration between QBMC, Sports Facilities Foundation (SFF) and the Lions’ Club.
“We shall be looking at vital signs such as blood-sugar levels, weight, height and blood pressure,” explains QBMC diabetes nurse Caroline Dingboom. “The health check will take only a few minutes and will help us to detect diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These diseases are prevalent and reversible on the island, if spotted at an early stage.”
About 1,000 patients in Statia are registered by QBMC as having these conditions, which are treatable through medication and/or lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet, is the conclusion of QBMC’s Dr. Marije Veerman.
“Various health reports have singled out these trends in the Caribbean, and similar checks in St. Eustatius, such as the Health Fair in the Lions’ Den three years ago, succeeded in spotting symptoms and saving lives.”
Dingboom insists that the health check will not be a one-off event. “We are planning to hold similar events every three months with our partners Lions’ Club and SFF. Next events will include feature sports activities and a healthy food market.”
“I have noticed a positive trend towards a healthier lifestyle in Statia,” notes Veerman. “More people walk early in the morning, work out at the gym and value locally grown food. Statians are becoming more fit and fabulous.”
