Reducing the prevalence of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer is a priority for Health Minister Jeanne Atherden and her team, she said yesterday.

She made the announcement as part of events to mark World Health Day.

This week, April 6 to 12, is observed as Public Health Week, and this year its theme is “Creating a Healthier Island 2030”.

The Minister of Health was speaking at the Optimising Your Health Expo held on the grounds of the City Hall.

“There have been many public health successes throughout the years, such as childhood immunisation, motor vehicle safety, control of infectious diseases, safer and healthier foods, and reduction in smoking prevalence, to name a few,” Ms Atherden said.

“We want to continue the public health successes as we face the growing trend of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer.

“However, we can only achieve real success against reducing the prevalence of these conditions with the help of the community.”

She said that NCDs continued to be the leading causes of death and were strongly related to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity and smoking.

“That is why we have events such as this Health Expo, to bring awareness of public health issues,” Ms Atherden said. “You may have heard of the Well Bermuda National Health Promotion Strategy, in which health partners are working collaboratively to optimise the health of Bermuda residents.

“It is important to know your numbers for health and what you can do to prevent or reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.”

She told the crowd that people put off screenings that would help them to make positive lifestyle choices in support of personal wellness and a better quality of life.

“The Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment is committed to promoting wellness in the community,” Ms Atherden said.

“The opportunity provided by observances like Public Health Week allow our team of dedicated healthcare professionals to bring the message of healthy living to the wider community.

“The positive lifestyle choices begin in our young people, and how we encourage them to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and pursue activities that promote healthy lives.

“Among our working population we must emphasise a life/work balance that reduces the stresses of our modern society and promotes healthy options as the first choice in diet and other areas.

“With our seniors, we are committed to golden years of dignity, complemented by access to quality health care and providing every opportunity for this important group to continue their valued contribution to our society.”