THE BLUE Cross of Jamaica will be embarking on an island wide screening drive; testing people for high blood pressure and diabetes and testing people's sight, hearing and general physical fitness.
Dr. Henry Lowe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross, said the tests would be done in various communities and would be a part of the company's 'Health Care Month', being promoted in September under the theme "wellness".
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, last Friday hosted a delegation from the company, led by Dr. Lowe, to kick off the month's activities. The team also included the vice presidents of Marketing and Sales, Insurance Operations and Finance and Treasury, Michael Steele, Alicia Brown and Eric Heslop, respectively.
Sir Howard was presented with a wellness pin, a Blue Cross Olympic sponsorship pin and a book tracing the company's history in Jamaica.
Noting the significance of the work of Blue Cross in maintaining the health of Jamaicans, he said he was very concerned about the health of the population, as good health was important for the progress of a nation. He also mentioned the Government's thrust to make health coverage available to all Jamaicans, and said Blue Cross should extend its assistance and expertise to the cause.
"I want to ask all Jamaica to work towards health, because if a nation is healthy it will be productive. If a nation is healthy physically and mentally, we have less violence," the Governor-General stated.
Dr. Lowe said the company would be open to answering public queries about health issues during the week. He said persons could call Blue Cross with their concerns.
He explained that the month's theme was based on the recognition that, with wellness, there would be less dependence and pressure on the country's badly stressed health care system.
"It means that people can be empowered to take care of their health so that they can understand fully that wellness is not just not being physically sick, it's also... physical and mental well being," the Blue Cross executive noted.
