Members of the public will be given the opportunity to learn basic self-defence techniques, explore nutrition and learn about sexual health as part of a weeklong health promotion.

The Department of Health is offering a class by Roberto Carneiro, instructor at Bermuda Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, on April 9.

It will include a self-defence demonstration and techniques.

The event takes place from 5.30pm to 6.30pm in Victoria Park.

The class is part of Public Health Week which takes place from April 7 to 12.

This year’s theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We are all Public Health”.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said: “Public Health Week provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about public health, the ways in which it touches their everyday lives and what they can do to keep themselves safe and well.

“It is also about helping people to stay healthy and protecting them from threats to their health.”

Ms Wilson said there was an important distinction to make between public health and healthcare — in that public health includes ensuring that the community and environment are protected from harm.

Also on April 9 is the Positive Parenting Lunch and Learn Session by the Family Centre.

The session takes place via Zoom from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

On April 10 there is a session on Women’s health at The Pavillion in the National Sports Centre. Let’s Talk Health and Healing for Women is from 6pm to 7pm. Registration is requested for the event, which is free and includes light refreshments.

Finally, on April 12, there will be a Farmers Market and Healthy Living Expo at City Hall from 10am to 2pm.

Virloy Lewin, health promotion co-ordinator, said: “Each day of the week there is a specific theme related to public health.

“On Tuesday, it is violence prevention. There is a Zoom lunch and learn with two counsellors from the Family Centre who will be talking about positive parenting techniques and positive discipline.

“We also have the self-defence in the evening for people to learn how to protect themselves and also avoid dangerous situations.

“Wednesday is about sexual and reproductive health. We will be giving out packets to businesses in Hamilton with information about prevention of sexually transmitted infections. In the evening we will have Let’s Talk Health and Healing for Women.

“Friday is about food and nutrition. Accessibility and affordability of nutritious food can determine a lifetime of health outcomes.

“We have two local farmers who will be selling produce and there will be other local vendors.

“There will also be screenings from our community health nursing team, food demos from our nutrition services and the Grow, Eat, Save team will be there to encourage more people to grow their own food, save money, and be active.

“The Bermuda Health Foundation will be there along with the Bermuda Diabetes Association, our oral health team and the National Breastfeeding Committee.

“We will also have a table promoting our Move More Bermuda Senior Games.”

For more information or to register, e-mail healthpromotion@gov.bm or call 278-4900

Sign-up for the self-defence class is available here.

Further information is available here.