Matron Robert’s Health Fair and Free Testing
Another organization that is doing its fair share of work is the Matron Robert’s Polyclinic Two. The healthcare facility is located in Belize City and over the years it has offered quality medical care for the public. News Five’s Andrea Polanco visited the Matron Robert’s Polyclinic and joined members of the public for a free checkup.
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
Belize City residents participated in a health fair coordinated by the Matron Robert’s Polyclinic Two. Booths highlighting dental health, cancer awareness, nutrition and physical health were on display. Administrator, Alexi Rosado says that through demonstrations and testings, the goal is to reach the entire family.
Alexi Rosado
Alexi Rosado, Administrator, Matron Roberts Polyclinic II
“What we are trying to do is cater for all ages so we have men health; women’s health; teen health; senior health; we are also going to have the Cancer Society and Kidney Society. As you will also know there is a Blood Bank Drive for anyone who will be here and wants to donate any blood they can come ahead. We will have people from HIV, also partners from the Central Health Region; our pharmacy; dental; HECOPAB giving information. So it’s a variety of information that we will be distributing.”
One of the highlighted diseases was diabetes; the silent killer that affects all ages. Free testing for the disease was done by the Belize Diabetes Association:
Michelle Gudoy
Michelle Gudoy, Belize Diabetes Association
“It is important so you could know where you stand and so that you could be aware of the different types of sickness and also on diabetes because a lot of people walk around and they don’t know what their status is so we are doing random testing out here so we could know their blood sugar level.”
Andrea Polanco
“When we talk about the level; what’s a normal level?”
Michelle Gudoy
“Here at the association we normally tell people it should be anything between seventy and one twenty; there are different ranges but we work with between seventy and one twenty.”
Andrea Polanco
“So I know if you have a family with diabetes it is important to test but otherwise it is also good to know?”
Michelle Gudoy
“Yes, because diabetes is a silent killer and there a lot of people walking around and don’t know they have diabetes so it is important test and go to the health center to find out because eventually you will find out they have kidney disease and other complications caused by diabetes so we advise them to know their status and get tested.”
Andrea Polanco
“Awrite you guys have been doing testing this morning; what have the results been like?”
Michelle Gudoy
“The results are very good; people are coming out and they are taking advantage of the testing and so far we are having good readings.”
Bernadine Grinage
Residents were out in the numbers to get the rapid HIV test which was conducted by the Voluntary Counseling & Testing Center;
Bernadine Grinage, Acting Coordinator, Voluntary Counseling & Testing Center
“Well so far I think that our booth is the booth that most people used today to do the rapid HIV test where they get the results in fifteen minutes it takes to do the whole test. It is accurate and professional and confidentiality is maintained even though we are in a public setting.”
Andrea Polanco
“Awrite, so I know you have a display here with information and a demonstration; briefly tell us what it is all about?”
Bernadine Grinage
“Okay, we also work in conjunction with PASMO so they are doing the educational piece as well where they do condom demonstration and ask questions about HIV/AIDS and they give quick information to the public especially the teenagers.”
Andrea Polanco
“A lot of people still with the notion, I’m not sexually active; I’m not doing anything that would cause me to contract HIV; but it’s still very important to know your status?”
Bernadine Grinage
“It is important to know your status because it should be part of your routine medical examination which everyone should get once a year and knowing your status early is better for you because you can access treatment and care earlier.”
And while testing and regular medical check-ups are a must, Jenna Ferguson says maintaining a healthy a body means executing a well-rounded but fun exercise routine.
Jenna Ferguson, Owner, Faith Fitness Club
“We offer a variety of physical classes so if you want to be in the physical top shape, I’m the place to go to. We offer taebow classes, aerobics classes, Zumba aerobics; a variety of dances such as punta, hip-hop, salsa and just basically being yourself. We also have water aerobics and steps aerobics as you know water is a highly recommended class and it is done over at the Radisson Fort George. It is a low impact class; if you suffer from arthritis or back pain that is the class you would want to do.”
Andrea Polanco
“Okay, so do you offer one on one session for people who might be interested?”
Jenna Ferguson
Jenna Ferguson
“Definitely; I offer one on one session if you might want to work on your time and we can definitely arrange a plan for you and get a nutritionist to set a plan for you to achieve a goal to get your whole body checked up for cholesterol, blood pressure and all of that included in the classes if you want to sign up.”
Nutritionist Sandra Collins says that she hopes the fair will sensitize the public and help residents to make better life style decisions:
Sandra Collins
Sandra Collins, Nutritionist, Matron Roberts Polyclinic II
“Actually what we’re trying to do is to increase the awareness that the chronic diseases that your aunt or your grandmother have is affecting everybody, all ages and genders. I see all of them here at Matron Roberts and the issue is that it can be preventable through lifestyle changes. So that is the big focus at the health fair, to bring the awareness and give you some information.”
Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.
If you’d like to know more about Faith Fitness you can call Jenna at 670-8095.
