Lifestyle

“Because when we talk about this, some people who think they are more intelligent than us tell us we are coming from the Stone Age. Don't worry, live your technology age but it is not part of our culture.”
The post Kneeling to propose to a woman ‘un-African’ – Kanayo O. Kanayo appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Nigeria

Africa

No single intervention will combat obesity. Everybody needs to act

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 00:10:01 +0000

No single intervention will combat obesity. Everybody needs to act

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12280.jpg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:10

Friday, March 4, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

No single intervention will combat obesity. Everybody needs to act

“Obesity is a major public health concern for us in the Region. We have some of the highest rates of overweight and obesity in the Americas among adults. Childhood obesity is associated with health problems such as Type 2 diabetes during childhood and has been linked to a higher risk of disability and premature death into adulthood,” stated Dr Joy St John, CARPHA’s Executive Director in observance of World Obesity Day.

On 4 March, World Obesity Day is observed under the theme “Everybody Needs to Act”. This theme is meant to remind us that we can all come together to ensure happier, healthier, and longer lives for everybody, through more respect, better care, actions, and policies.

Being obese places an individual at a high risk for developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. The Covid-19 pandemic has posed an additional risk to people living with obesity, as they are twice as likely to be hospitalised if they contract the Covid-19 virus. The pandemic has also added a burden to Caribbean health care systems which has, in some instances, led to delays and reduced access to support and treatment for people living with obesity.

In addition, Covid-19 lockdowns have worsened risk factors for weight gain in children. One preliminary study found that children in lockdown reported eating more meals, more ultra-processed foods high in fat, sugar, and salt, had reduced levels of physical activity and increased screen time [1].

Obesity is not solely related to a person’s weight. It is about more than a person’s weight. This disease is rooted in a combination of genetic, psychological, sociocultural, economic, and environmental factors. These environmental factors are whole of society’s problems, and individuals should not have to face obesity alone.

Genetics account for about 40-70% of the likelihood of developing obesity; life events such as prenatal life, early adulthood, pregnancy, illnesses (including mental illnesses) and medications can all influence weight gain. Additionally, lack of sleep and elevated levels of stress disturb hormones which can affect your weight, and access to ultra-processed foods, marketing of unhealthy foods and lack of access to healthcare can contribute to obesity.

Obesity is not isolated to any one country or region. We all need to act. Collectively, we need to fight against social stigma associated with obesity. As individuals, we can do our part by becoming more physically active, and reducing the consumption of salt, fats and sugar and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. We need to advocate for “green spaces” within our communities. Families cannot change their genes, but they can adjust the family environment to encourage healthy eating habits and physical activity. Governments are urged to improve policies that prioritise the prevention and management of obesity as a health issue. Employers should recognise the impact of stress on obesity and adopt policies that encourage employees to prioritise health throughout the working day and create a physical and cultural environment that promotes good mental and physical health.

Initiatives spearheaded by CARPHA to combat childhood obesity include the Six-Point Policy Package which sets out priority areas for action, such as mandatory food labelling, nutritional standards and guidelines for schools, and reduction in the marketing of unhealthy foods. Front of Package Warning Labels have been found to be effective in supporting healthy food choices. CARPHA continues to support its member states and collaborate with regional and international organisations to minimise the incidence and impact of obesity in the Caribbean region. CARPHA also supports the Caricom Intergovernmental group on unhealthy diets and obesogenic environments.

CARPHA, in collaboration with Ministries of Health and Education in Grenada and Saint Lucia, implemented an intervention in schools to promote healthy environments and diets to prevent obesity and diabetes. ‘Reversing the Rise in Childhood Obesity was funded by the World Diabetes Foundation. As part of the project, a recipe book Kids Can Cook Too was developed to support sustained healthy eating behaviours of children.

We must act now; stop stigmatising and blaming. Let us work as a team to combat obesity and demand change to ensure people get the necessary care and treatment.

No single intervention will combat obesity. Together, our actions can speak volumes. This is why “Everybody Needs to Act.” Now.

CARPHA

NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.

Caribbean

Living Standard

Senator McQueen concerned about long-term effect of one-armed bandits

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 00:10:01 +0000

Senator McQueen concerned about long-term effect of one-armed bandits

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1023.jpeg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:10

Monday, March 21, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

Senator McQueen concerned about long-term effect of one-armed bandits

by Linda Straker

Importation of new slot machines currently banned
Slot machines are often referred to as one-armed bandits
Gambling Legislation became enforced in 2017

Rolanda McQueen, Opposition Senator in the Upper House of Parliament, is concerned about what she described as an increase in the number of “gambling houses that are popping up in every street corner in our communities.”

“I would like to say today, if we do not do something about it, it will be one of the biggest cancers. Grenada is going to suffer and I do hope that we are putting in place facilities to help these young men when they get addicted to the one-arm bandits,” she said during the recent sitting of the Senate.

Slot machines are often referred to as one-armed bandits, and several of these machines are located at different locations throughout the state. Before the 2016 Gaming Legislation was approved, there was no law to regulate that sector. The Gambling Legislation became enforced in 2017. That law establishes the Gaming Commission whose task is to inspect and licence all places with gaming facilities as well as issue licences to those who are engaging in ‘game of chance’ events.

The work of the Gaming Commission is separate and different from the Casino Commission. “That’s two different laws, and some might not be clear about that,” said Franklyn Redhead, Chairman of the Gaming Commission.

There is currently a ban on the importation of new slot machines, but a technical licence is issued for the importation of parts for repair of the machines that were already on the island when the law went into effect.

The law forbids the placement of these slot machines close to schools and churches, and the officials from the Gaming Commission are responsible for approving locations and conducting continuous inspections of these locations.

“Before an individual or company receives a licence to operate as a gaming location, there is a process because the gaming legislation provides guidelines as to where these gaming machines can be placed, so they cannot be popping any and everywhere,” said Redhead.

NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.

Grenada

Caribbean

The nutrition of food: Building the immune system

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 00:10:01 +0000

The nutrition of food: Building the immune system

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12279.jpg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:10

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

The nutrition of food: Building the immune system

by Jeaniel Whint for Grenada Agro Tourism

The immune system can be called your body’s soldier!

Did you know that 70–80% of the immune system is in your gut? The gut and immune system support each other to promote a healthy body. The gut microbiome acts as a gatekeeper/trainer to the immune cells also called T-cells. These teach the body how to differentiate between invaders such as viruses, bacteria and other foreign bodies which may attack and weaken your body’s tissues and immune system.

At present, we are in the middle of a global pandemic due to the Covid-19 virus and require foods with nutraceutical value that build our immune system. Nutraceuticals are known as “a substance that may be considered a food or part of a food which provides medical or health benefits, encompassing prevention and treatment of disease.”

Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean boasts functional foods such as lemongrass, ginger, orange, French cashew, lime, vitamin and minerals such as Vitamin C, zinc and Vitamin D which are packed with immune building properties. They aid the building of the immune system and benefit the gut microbiome. Grenada’s national dish is the ubiquitous “oil down” with the primary ingredient, breadfruit, now touted as a superfood. The reality is that the majority of foods grown in Grenada by farmers, and especially the members of Grenada Agro Tourism are organically grown using traditional methods. Eat seasonally so the foods are fresh.

Adding these functional foods to your diet such as ginger also offers the additional benefits of reducing inflammation, bloating, and alleviating excess gas.

Zinc, which is an essential mineral to multiple functions in the body is especially essential to men’s health as it plays a role in prostate health, testosterone levels, and overall sexual health. Zinc is not produced by the body and must be consumed through foods like fish including tuna. So, on your travels to Grenada visit the Melville Street Fish Market for fresh daily caught tuna for your next meal.

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin is both a hormone produced by the body and a nutrient we can consume by eating healthy foods. It also aids the absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are critical for bone building, reducing inflammation, and improving the overall immune system. So, enjoy your time in the sun on one of Grenada’s many beautiful beaches!

French Cashew Lemongrass Smoothie

1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
2 French cashews
5 sprigs lemongrass
2 cups coconut water

Instructions: Blend and allow to sit for 15 minutes before consuming.

Orange Lemongrass Grilled Tuna

2-3 steaks Yellow Fin Tuna
¼ cup orange juice
1 lime
20 sprigs lemongrass
Pinch of salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions: Marinade (blend the orange juice, lime, lemongrass, salt and pepper together, allow to sit for 15 minutes). Marinade the fish in ¾ of the lemongrass mixture. Grill the tuna for 2-3 minutes on each side. Pour the remainder of the marinade on the grilled fish. Serve with breadfruit, salad or steamed vegetables.

Jeaniel Whint is a Grenadian born Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Chef located in Toronto, Canada and the Director of Cherry Blossom Wellness Services.

NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.

Caribbean

World Social Work Day 2022

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 00:00:02 +0000

World Social Work Day 2022

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__1022.jpeg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:00

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

World Social Work Day 2022

World Social Work Day is celebrated across the world every year. This year it took place on 15 March.

This is in recognition of the hard work of Social Workers around the world. The 2022 theme ‘Co-building a New Eco-Social World: Leaving No One Behind’ highlighted an opportunity for the social work profession to engage all social work networks and the community they work within to make contributions to shared values and principles. The theme also presented a vision and action plan to create new global values, policies, and practices that develop trust, security, and confidence for all people and the sustainability of the planet which enable all people to have their dignity and worth respected through shared futures.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a global public health issue; the greatest success in controlling the pandemic has been achieved where there has been a high level of mutual trust between the government, the professionals, and the communities, working towards the same goal.

Therefore, it makes sense to create a partnership to co-design and co-produce a global solution to the Covid-19 pandemic, which in turn can lead to creating global solutions for all kinds of issues resulting in concrete, healthy, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable solutions for both the short and long term.

Like other professions, social workers have had to battle with the challenges faced by the Covid-19 pandemic and had to find innovative measures in reaching service users; additionally, some countries have had to tackle the refugee crisis and displaced individuals. Social work has taken on a new dimension in Human Rights-based advocacy in responding to issues.

In recent times, Grenada has been faced with its own challenges such as severe flooding and land erosion. There have also been numerous issues of social matters highlighted in social media. Mental health continues to be a grave concern; there are insufficient resources to support persons in crisis in the community.

We have also seen an increase in death by suicide in young men. Possible contributing factors may be the increase in alcohol and drug use among young people, unemployment and unresolved issues resulting from early life traumas.

As social workers, we have an ethical responsibility to raise awareness about these problems. Early intervention will assist in promoting wellbeing and preventing illness, thus reducing the need for hospitalisation and fatality.

GAPSW would therefore like to see the strengthening of services to meet those needs and other requirements of vulnerable individuals and communities. We are pleading with our Government to invest in the development of adequate resources to prevent an escalation of this problem which will definitely have a detrimental impact on society as a whole.

It is no longer feasible to close our eyes and work in our little silos, all vying for small pots of the same money, we have to work in collaboration, across disciplines to create change, a silent revolution that recognises human rights at its core and is inherently respectful of each and every one of us, however different.

What we need is a world which allows politicians, professionals and communities to work beyond national and regional borders, to foster cross-sectoral dialogue and action. We need to address health and economic disparities, nationally, regionally and internationally. This will require the co-design and co-production of effective systems to increase the collective resilience to respond to future challenges. We need to recognise our interdependence as a planet; we need global commitment for concrete action to help advance solutions, for our children and grandchildren to inherit a better world.

This statement is submitted by the Grenada Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW), who are recognised members of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).

NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.

Grenada

Caribbean

GFNC National Secondary Schools’ Nutrition Quiz Final results

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 00:00:02 +0000

GFNC National Secondary Schools’ Nutrition Quiz Final results

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12278.jpg

admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 00:00

Friday, April 29, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

GFNC National Secondary Schools’ Nutrition Quiz Final results

The St George’s Institute is the winner of this year’s Secondary Schools’ Nutrition Quiz.

This is their first time competing in the quiz, where they dethroned defending champions Bishop’s College with 72½ points, leaving Bishop’s College to settle for second with 71½ points. Grenville Secondary School claimed the third spot with 62½ after an intense sudden death round, pushing St Mark’s Secondary School into 4th place on 57½ points.

Four secondary schools competed in the quiz held on Wednesday, 27 April at the Youth Centre, Grand Anse. Individual prizes were awarded to students and teachers representing the top 3 schools. All participants received certificates of participation.

The National Nutrition Quiz is organised by the Grenada Food & Nutrition Council. The primary competition was held on 4 April and was won by Woburn Methodist School.

GFNC

NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.

Grenada

Caribbean

Living Standard

Our Boys and Men

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 23:50:01 +0000

Our Boys and Men

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12277.jpg

admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 23:50

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

Our Boys and Men

by Tricia Simon

Slavery in Grenada has left several odd realities which we still live with today. Thus, the need to bend the tree while it is young.

This includes the fact that Grenada can be coined as a patriarchal society, yet it is the mothers, especially single mothers who are the ones left to raise our boys into men. Recently, I had an interesting discussion with a gentleman who was clearly pained by the high rates of sexual violence against minors in Grenada. Studies would show that the majority of those acts are carried out against girls and women by men and boys.

The question is how do we stop this increasing spate of female violence? Over the past few years, we see commendable programmes such as the UN Spotlight Initiative with a key mandate to protect women and children. And they do need to be protected. But is this method a reactionary method, meaning that we decide to heal after the crime occurs and the victim is scarred? Should we also look at an approach to prevent our men and boys from committing such crimes which should (a) lessen the number of victims (b) lessen the criminalisation of our black men and boys and (c) result in a more safe, cohesive and productive society?

Imagine the type of society we would have in Grenada if from the age of 4 a boy is taught to respect his elders and females. We would be raising a generation of conscious and respectful individuals to “do no harm”. The results would be tremendous as we can expect a decrease in sexually related crimes against our girls and women.

Lest we forget our adult men who too have their issues and may view a young child as a sexual object or a woman as a less valuable being, thus to be abused and treated as they see fit. Community programmes can be geared towards teaching and providing our men and boys with assistance to address their challenges.

Far too often when a heinous sexual crime occurs, Grenada shares it on social media for a few days, the activists come out, march and shout from the hilltops, then like church mouse they grow quiet. Yes, awareness is brought to the subject but we now need to follow up with concrete action. Centres need to be created in communities to address such programmes where individuals can feel a sense of belonging and safe enough to seek assistance.

Professionals under this programme need to provide assistance, especially to the needy and vulnerable. Grenada needs a comprehensive volunteer database in regards to social programmes. Counselling services are now remote, thus a Grenadian therapist in New York can take on one patient at a time (we doh asking for much, as we doh greedy) and work with this individual. They would fall under an umbrella programme managed by the Ministry of Social Services with collaboration from the Ministry of Education and the Office of Diaspora Affairs. Similar to the US Peace Corps who travel to different countries and offer various services to assist the locals. This programme has been a success for generations. Feel free to visit Grenada at any time to enjoy Grand Anse Beach but we know you would be working remotely since we know you have a busy practice in your respective place of residence.

This is giving back to Grenada, as a sociologist, therapist, psychologist and doctor ban together and offer your services to your respective community of origin. Programs can include counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and substance abuse, gambling addiction, depression, child abuse, sexual abuse, mental health issues, parenting class and a host of other programmes. These are challenges faced by our youths and for a progressive, prosperous nation we need to provide them with the necessary tools to make progress for national development. The reality is that as professionals we cannot simply sit back and think that the ills in Grenada do not affect us, it affects all of us who are in some way related to Grenada.

There are many hardworking and earnest therapists in Grenada who are all to be commended, but the reality is that they are not able to address the volume of individuals who need assistance. Grenada lacks the funds as well as the number of trained skilled individuals to address the breath of social ills faced in the nation – no country has the capacity to address all its ills. America has its opioid and homelessness challenges despite having immense resources yet it still struggles with those issues, much less jukutu Grenada. Many hands make for light work – so to heal the nation let us work together as one.

Tricia Simon is an Attorney-at-Law called to the bar in the State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique and the Province of Ontario, Canada.

NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.

Caribbean

Actress Aisha Hinds’ epic wedding weekend in Grenada

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 23:50:01 +0000

Actress Aisha Hinds’ epic wedding weekend in Grenada

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12276.jpg

admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 23:50

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

Actress Aisha Hinds’ epic wedding weekend in Grenada

By Victoria Uwumarogie · Updated May 23, 2022

It’s giving Black love!

Actress Aisha Hinds and her longtime partner Silky Valente got married this past weekend, doing so in an epic way in front of a star-studded guest list on the Isle of Spice — saying “I do” in St. George’s, Grenada. (The star’s parents are both from Grenada.)

The 9-1-1 star got engaged to Valente, who works in health care (and whose last name is actually Walker), in November 2020. She told ESSENCE in 2021, “He completely surprised me.” He popped the question to her on the roof of the Waldorf Astoria in Los Angeles, where years before her career took off, she worked.

“It was great to have a sip of joy in the year 2020 and that moment for me definitely disrupted the narrative of 2020,” she said at the time. “And I’m glad that I can look back at 2020 in a way that has given me even one highlight out of the year.”

To celebrate that joy more than a year and a half later, the couple and their loved ones traveled to Grenada for the nuptials. Ahead of the ceremony and reception on Saturday, Hinds and her bridal party showed out, doing photo and video shoots in gorgeous pieces. They were crafted by Grenadian creatives, from a local one who calls himself the Straw Man. He made straw accessories for the ladies to rock. And Felisha Noel of Fe Noel, who was born in Grenada, curated a custom collection for Hinds and her girls. There was a lot of stunning moments captured on boats, beaches and at sites with plenty of history. It was beautiful!

As for the big day on May 21, it was held at the Silversands Grenada resort and was attended by everyone from Yvonne Orji and Kellee Stewart to Dewanda Wise and husband, fellow actor Alano Miller, and many more.

Check out a few beautiful images captured over the weekend by Stanley Babb of Stanlo Photography and film director Oliver Kandyflosse, as well as a few moments from the special day.

All this joy and beauty! Hinds and her love, who have allegedly been together for more than a decade, glowed as they celebrated their love. As the actress told us last year, the two were beyond excited for this next chapter in their story to begin.

“I’ve known him for a long long time so that’s [what] makes it that much sweeter,” she said at the time. “At this stage in your life, when we first got together as kids it was cute to be like, ‘We go together!’ But now we’re at the stage in our life where we want to grow together. That’s where we are and we’re both there at the same time and it’s sweeter than I can even articulate.”

TOPICS: aisha hinds black celebrity couples black weddings celebrity weddings

Grenada

Caribbean

Living Standard

Commemorating Pride Month

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 23:50:01 +0000

Commemorating Pride Month

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__12275.jpg

admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 23:50

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Original Publisher

Lifestyle | NOW Grenada

Original Article

Commemorating Pride Month

For over 50 years, people around the world have come together to celebrate Pride Month, when we recognise the beautiful diversity of LGBTQI+ communities while acknowledging that the movement to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons has been one of both struggle and progress.

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising, a fateful day in 1969 when LGBTQI+ people fought back against police mistreatment and discrimination. Their act of protest led to the birth of a human rights movement. That movement ultimately helped secure greater recognition of the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons and strengthened American democracy itself. Countries are stronger when all people – regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics – are fully recognised as free and equal members of their society.

One of the leading human rights issues of our time is the treatment of LGBTQI+ persons around the world. LGBTQI+ communities continue to live with unacceptable violence and discrimination. Those who seek to promote and protect the rights of LGBTQI+ persons are especially vulnerable to attack. In too many countries today, access to LGBTQI+-related information is restricted and representation of LGBTQI+ issues is censored. Too often, Pride events themselves are banned by governments or violently disrupted by those motivated by hatred.

The Department is working to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons in line with President Biden’s Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Around the World. The State Department updated US passport application policies to allow for gender self-certification and offered an “X” gender marker option. We issued the annual Human Rights Reports that included robust coverage of the human rights abuses against LGBTQI+ persons. We monitored court proceedings when LGBTQI+ persons were unjustly arrested. We re-affirmed that LGBTQI+ persons and their families deserve full equality, and we stood with local advocates for marriage equality. We spoke out when LGBTQI+ persons were the victims of hate crimes. We also celebrated a milestone: the Global Equality Fund passed the threshold of disbursing over $100 million in over 100 countries to support the movement for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons on the frontlines. We conduct all of this work recognising that Americans have much work to do to ensure equality and dignity for LGBTQI+ persons at home.

In celebration of Pride Month, the US Department of State recommits to protecting and promoting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons around the world.

Antony J Blinken, Secretary of State

US Embassy, Barbados

NOW Grenada is not responsible for the opinions, statements or media content presented by contributors. In case of abuse, click here to report.

Caribbean

Living Standard