Get Well Bahamas – Let’s Get It Started!

The National Prescription Drug Plan launched phase three of the Get Well Bahamas Health and Fitness challenge on Monday January 30, 2012 at Worker’s House.

The objectives of the National Prescription Drug Plan (NPDP) sponsored programme are to promote preventative health strategies and reduce the burden on the health system created by Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCD’s). The Get Well Challenge and the National Prescription Drug Plan are managed by the National Insurance Board (NIB). The National Insurance Board is a partner in the national healthcare enterprise through its contributions to the construction of clinics and upgrades to our hospital. Now, NIB is making a further invaluable contribution through its support of prevention strategies through the Healthy People Programme which is a subsidiary of the National Prescription Drug Plan.

Get Well Bahamas is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for 40 persons between the ages of 18 and 60 who suffer from obesity and/or one of several Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases, to improve their health by receiving 16 weeks of health and wellness coaching with a focus on behavior modification and proper nutrition. The Challengers will receive regular instruction on meal planning, food preparation and food portions. Additionally, they will also receive 12 weeks of personal fitness training three times per week including a 3 month gym membership, along with initial health screenings, health risk assessment and monitoring during the 3 month period.

The programme is FREE OF CHARGE for the Challengers and is facilitated by Bodyzone Fitness, Jemi Health & Wellness and Homegrown. Corporate partners for the event are Atlantic Medical Insurance, Bank of the Bahamas, CIBC FirstCaribbean, Generali Insurance, Nassau Underwriters Insurance and The Sports Locker.

Algernon Cargill, the Director of the National Insurance Board gave remarks at the launch and said “Too many Bahamians suffer and die early from complications of chronic non-communicable diseases that can be either entirely prevented or effectively managed through proper diet and exercise”. Mr. Cargill also shared stories of how Get Well Bahamas has strengthened marriages, encouraged children and family members to eat and live a healthier lifestyle, as well as aided in the reduction or use of prescribed medication.

Also in attendance were Mrs. Dinah Knowles, winner of the first Get Well Bahamas challenge and Mr. Jenkins Rolle, winner of Get Well Bahamas 2. Jenkins Rolle addressed the participants and said “to achieve your goals, of dietary discipline and weight reduction, it will be of your own energy and your own exertion. Praying for it is not enough, wanting it is not enough, and craving for it is not enough. You have to work for it”. Participants spoke with excitement as they welcomed the challenge that lies ahead. Solomon Campbell, one of the participants said his goal is to lose 85lbs and he believes that is within reach. Kim Bodie, wants to come off her medications as well as look sexy again, after the age of fifty (50).

The challengers for phase 3 are:

For the next 16 weeks, the 40 new Get Well Bahamas challengers will take charge of their health, one day and one step at a time!