By MacAdrew Clarke
On Saturday, April 16, eight Ottawa-based black community organizations, hosted the 8th annual Health and Wellness Seminar from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, at the Public Service Alliance of Canada building. With presentations and activities for guests of all ages, participants were were provided valuable information about healthy lifestyle choices, preventative steps to avoid certain diseases, and the importance of preparation.
This year’s Health and Wellness Seminar was emceed by Denise Moore-Isaacs, co-host of CHUO FM’s Black on Black. With the theme of “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles,” topics covered included: kidney disease, seniors maintaining their independence, travel insurance, the importance of fitness, and the frailty paradox. Guests were also able to inform themselves with additional knowledge from kiosks representing organizations such as the Black Senior Housing Project, Jaku Konbit, Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association, the Sickle Cell Disease Parent Support Group, and the Hope Dental Group.
In addition to informing people about the tried and true tactics for a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, exercise, healthy nutrients, etc), presenters also demystified pre-conceived notions. For example, pink Himalayan salt is just as “healthy” as any other form of salt available. Also, aging is as much in the mind than anything else. The reason being is that our own behaviour and mentality of: “I can’t do [x] activity anymore because I’m [y] age” is part and parcel to the body “breaking down”. Therefore, movement, exercise, and adapting alternative methods helps one to manage aging better than saying: “I’m too old”.
As the seminar stretched into the afternoon, guests were treated to a Fitness Break with Tarrah Mauricette, fitness instructor at Caribbean Fit Fête. With high energy and great Caribbean music, Tarrah got the whole room up from their chairs and dancing. Although not every break was a “fitness” break, it was clear that attendees were taken into special consideration, so that they could have more than enough time to get food and snacks, visit kiosks, and in this case, get some exercise! Overall, this year’s Health and Wellness Seminar empowered guests with knowledge and promoted the importance of preparation and prevention.
By highlighting the importance of prevention and preparation, the seminar touched on some peripheral aspects that are overlooked when it comes to health care; especially within the Black community. For example, cultural practices may serve as barriers for someone who is transitioning into a long term care residence. However, with adequate preparation and information on services and options available, seniors would be better equipped with the tools necessary to manage their independence. Also, preventing disease should be done through a holistic approach where social connections and spiritual health are just as important as a daily walk or drinking enough water.
As the event came to a close, the day felt like it was well spent. In addition to raffles and door prize giveaways, guests were given promotional material from other health and wellness services offered in the Ottawa area.
The seminar was a joint collaboration between Black History Ottawa; the National Institute of Jamaican-Canadians; Racially Visible Action Committee; Trinidad & Tobago Association of Ottawa; Jamaican (Ottawa) Community Association; Jaku Konbit; Guyana Ottawa Cultural Association; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ottawa Association.
For more pictures from the seminar, visit the following link: http://justiceproductionsottawa.shootproof.com/gallery/2617886/
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About the writer
MacAndrew Clarke holds a B.A. (Hons) in Political Science from Carleton University. Fluently bilingual in English and French, he has several years diverse communications and marketing experience from within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. He can be reached at: [email protected].