The fifth annual Argus Health Fair opened yesterday to queues of people seeking ways to improve their well-being.

The free event, to mark World Health Day and Bermuda's National Wellness Week, offered information and advice from 30 representatives of health-related charities and organisations.

Members of the public attending the fair at Number Six Shed, Hamilton, were also given three pieces of fruit and an environmentally-friendly shopping bag from the Argus Group.

Advice on offer included coping with diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer, as well as dental information and child health.

Gerald Simons, Argus president and CEO, said: "Once again more than 30 health charities and groups are here to answer your questions and offer information on a broad spectrum of health and wellness issues."

Stressing the importance of a healthy diet, he said: "When we look at the root causes of the four most destructive health conditions in Bermuda diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer we see how vital proper nutrition is.

"In a recent survey we conducted, we found 98 percent of adults in Bermuda don't get the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. And our disease statistics bear that out.

"Given the cost of produce in Bermuda, some people feel that eating fruit and vegetables is simply not affordable. But as with anything worthwhile, it's a question of priority.

"At Argus we believe that when people better understand how their daily choices affect their lives, they can make positive changes. I hope that you find this year's health fair to be educational and inspiring so that with the wealth of information available you become motivated to take charge of your own health."

David Hill, CEO of Bermuda Hospitals Board, said: "In times of economic uncertainty, the one certainty you want to hold onto is your health. Not only will you feel better, but it is one of the ways that you can control healthcare costs over time.

"You can do your part to keep healthy, and about 50 Bermuda Hospitals Board staff have taken time out today to talk to you about wellness."

Cutting the ribbon to open the fair, Health Minister Nelson Bascome said: "Good public health isn't something that happens on its own. It requires partnership and participation from a wide range of stakeholders.

"Today I thank the Argus Group for its vision, Bermuda Hospitals Board for its participation and for the commitment of both organisations to a Well Bermuda (National Health Promotion Strategy)."

The annual Argus Health Fair is hosted by the Argus Group in partnership with the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Department of Health.

Among the organisations taking part this year were: CADA, National Drug Control, Turning Point, MAWI, Bermuda Diabetes Association, Bermuda Red Cross, Tomorrow's Voices, Pride, Open Airways, Bermuda Professional Counselling Services, La Leche, Catlin End-to-End, Environmental Health, HIP and Age Concern.