At the beginning of every year many individuals make many resolutions; and plan to improve their health are top on their list. All individuals are being encouraged to focus on their ones and adopt healthy lifestyles to ensure that they achieve optimal health.

By: Dr. Brett Hodge

Common health conditions in Anguilla
Chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and obesity continue to affect many residents of Anguilla. The complications from these disorders are having a great impact on the health of a significant proportion of our population. HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases still pose challenges for health care professionals on the island. Screening tests to prevent leading cancers in the country, like cancer of the cervix, are not fully utilized by many of our citizens. Use of dangerous illicit drugs continues to affect many adults and young people and we are now seeing the health complications of prolong use of these drugs.

Lifestyle changes
It has been shown by many clinical studies that a number of conditions like diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure and obesity can be prevented and even cured if more individuals adopt a few healthy lifestyles.
Regular physical activity can greatly improve an individual health. Lack of equipment is no excuse for not exercising. You do not even have to go to a gym to do many of the exercise to keep you physically active. Walking and swimming do not need any expensive equipment and can be very beneficial to every individual. It is important to see your doctor before starting any physical activity and if you have a medical condition discuss it with your doctor.
There is growing evidence that many children are doing less and less physical activity compared to previous years. In addition to the television, the use of the computer is making it difficult for parents to get their children outdoors and become involved in physical activity. The large number of vehicles on the roads in the various villages is now making it dangerous for children to play in the roads as was the case 30 to 40 years ago. It is here that our government and other corporate citizens can play a role in ensuring that a playing field is in every village in Anguilla. Our children must have safe areas to play and exercise if we are going to halt the obesity epidemic that is occurring in our young children of Anguilla today.
Healthy eating-Many individuals often make a resolution at the beginning of the New Year to eat health for the coming year but by the end of January many of them go back to their bad eating habits. It is estimated that more than 50% of all overweight people use food to cope with depression, anger and stress. Are you among them? If you are, you can benefit from learning new coping strategies. You should discuss this with your health care provider. The adoption of quick weigh loss programmes are doomed for failure and should be avoided.Instead individuals should see their health care provider and be part of a realistic long term programme that does not have any complications that can endanger your life.
Risky sexual activities - Despite the knowledge about HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, many residents of Anguilla continue to engage in risky sexually activities. These activities are fueling the spread of many sexually transmitted diseases on the island. Behavioural changes can take a long time but more Anguillians need to make behavioural changes if they are going to have any impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.

Screening tests for cancers
The leading cancers affecting residents of Anguilla are cancer of the cervix (mouth of the womb), prostate, bowel and breast. Individuals should discuss with their doctor a time when they should have various screening tests. Screening tests are important as they can often detect conditions before they are cancerous. These conditions can be successfully treated. Early detection of any cancer always leads to improved survival rates following treatment. Individuals with early signs of cancer should see their doctor early for an evaluation and do not wait until it is too late. Many of the cancers now affecting Anguillians can be cured if detected during the early stages of the disease.

Conclusion
The start of any new year is a great time for individuals to access their health and begin to adopt health lifestyles. Many of the health conditions that affect residents of Anguilla can be prevented by the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Having regular medical check-ups is important in ensuring good health as well. All of us must take control of our health in this New Year.

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