Lieutenant Governors Office, V.I. Ship and the Department of Human Services Working Together
Lieutenant Governors Office, V.I. Ship and the Department of Human Services Working Together to Keep Senior Citizens in Their Best Health
(l-r) Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis, VI SHIP/Medicare Director Kitichia Weekes, Human Services Assistant Administrator Murlene Van Beverhoudt and Commissioner Chris Finch celebrate another successful senior health fair/forum.
Senior citizens were encouraged to have a new attitude when it comes to the ways they eat and take care of themselves at a health fair and forum sponsored by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, V.I. SHIP and the Department of Human Services.Fairs were held in both districts: on St. Thomas on Friday, November 9 and on St. Croix on Tuesday, November 13, 2007. The health fairs, which are held annually, provide an opportunity for the senior citizens, many of whom are Medicare recipients, to learn about upcoming changes to Medicare benefits and strategies for maintaining their health.
The St. Croix health fair was off to an enthusiastic start after an exercise session led by Vanné Williams, Director of Rehabilitative Services at the JuanF.LuisHospital. The exercises were also easily modified to accommodate wheelchair bound participants.
St. Crox seniors gather at Annual VI SHIP Forum/Mini-Fair
Dr. Laetitia Henry, a nutrition specialist with the Cooperative Extension Services, kept the audience entertained as she led a discussion about the advantages of a diet that incorporates local as opposed to imported fruits. “We don’t have to eat imported fruit to stay healthy,” countered Dr. Henry when the audience noted that an apple a day keeps the doctors away.
The health fair concluded with a session led by Dr. Celia Victor, on food and drug interactions.Dr. Victor explained that the effectiveness of many drugs is diminished when certain foods are introduced into the system.She reminded the audience to read prescription drug labels carefully and speak to their pharmacist if they have any questions.
Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis addressed the audience at both health fairs.He stated that his office is committed to providing the best services to the elderly community in order to keep them in their best health
Approximately 200 senior citizens per district attended the health fairs. Various agencies and organizations participated including the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), the CharlotteKimelmanCancerCenter, and the V.I. Farmers Cooperative, Inc.
