The Ministry of Health is advising the public on a number of health-related measures to reduce possible negative health implications during and after the carnival season.
Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, said avoiding dehydration is of paramount importance.
“Quite a few carnival activities occur during the peak hours when the sun is most intense, for example the junior carnival parade, and also the parade of the bands for adults,” she said. “We would like to advise the public to ensure that they use sunblock or sunscreen to protect their skin during those activities and also to ensure that they drink enough water to reduce dehydration.”
Dr. George added that alcohol consumption can also lead to dehydration and other negative implications. Therefore, the Ministry of Health is advising persons who consume alcohol, to do so responsibly.
“We would also like persons to avoid the excessive intake of alcohol during the period. Apart from the fact that alcohol increases the possibility of dehydration, it also increases the possibility of injuries as persons may fall, and excessive consumption can also lead to violence when persons who are intoxicated tend to react irrationally. We also note an increase in vehicular accidents during that period, and also road fatalities.
“At our secondary healthcare facilities we normally prepare for the carnival season because we suspend elective surgery and we also ensure we have increased staffing to accommodate the increase numbers of persons who come in with injuries during this period. However, we have limitations in terms of the ICU beds at our hospital, so we advise the public to take measures to reduce the load that we note during the carnival season.”
Dr. George also had some helpful words of advice to diabetics.
“We also ask persons to safe guard their feet, as we get increases in toenail removal after the carnival season especially for diabetics who may have issues with healing of wounds.
We ask persons to ensure proper footwear is used if they are going to be on the road to reduce injuries to their feet and to ensure that they take proper care of their feet.”
During late night activities, the ministry advises that persons should walk in groups and be mindful of where they are parked.
The Ministry of Health wishes the public a safe, enjoyable, and accident-free carnival.
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