ALCOHOL USE by Dr Winston Gopaul, SMO  – Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Center, Caura Alcohol use is very common in our population. While some persons may be able to drink socially, others begin to experience problems related to their alcohol use. These include adverse effects on physical and mental health, marital/family problems, work-related issues (tardiness, absenteeism, […]

One significant recent development has been the recommendation from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supporting “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings”. In this regard, the Ministry of Health advises the general population that, once they are out in public. cloth masks (including homemade masks) should be used as a part of […]

When faced with major upheavals in our lives—such as those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—our body clocks have much more difficulty re-establishing regular biologic rhythms. Absent the normal social routines of work, childcare, and socializing, the biological clock system may be confused or challenged. As a result, we may experience negative physical symptoms similar to jet lag […]

THE NEW CORONAVIRUS CANNOT BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH MOSQUITO BITES. To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or […]

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. This extra genetic material causes the developmental changes and physical features of Down syndrome. Down syndrome varies in severity among individuals, causing lifelong intellectual disability and developmental delays. It’s the most common genetic […]

As we continue to monitor the spread and impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide, we urge all partners/stakeholders to consider the mental health needs of vulnerable persons in your communities. Misinformation, undue panic and stigmatization can significantly impact the way persons respond and experience this global emergency. As you are aware, persons with chronic diseases […]

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. The world has made unprecedented advances, but no country has achieved gender equality. On Sunday […]

COVID-19, PREVIOUSLY CALLED THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS, IS A RESPIRATORY ILLNESS THAT IS PART OF A FAMILY OF VIRUSES THAT INCLUDES THE COMMON COLD, THE SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS) AND THE MIDDLE EAST RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (MERS). Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard the tissue immediately. Cough and […]

Here are some helpful tips for you to enjoy a safe carnival season! EMERGENCY  SERVICES HOTLINES AMBULANCE              811 POLICE                       999 FIRE                            990 SAFETY FIRST – PERSONAL SAFETY  Do travel in groups. Do inform at least one other person of your movements.  The ‘live location’ function on WhatsApp is a great safety feature […]

World Leprosy Day is recognized on January 26th. Most people are afraid of Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) because of the mistaken beliefs about the disease. Yet, public fear is worse than the disease. There must be change in our attitude towards Leprosy. Knowing the facts about it can help stop the stigma and discrimination towards the disease. Fact#1 Leprosy […]