Ministry Encourages Healthy Eating and Hydration During
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is observing Nutrition and Hydration Week from March 17-23 and is urging Virgin Islands residents to improve their diets and stay properly hydrated to boost daily energy, wellbeing and reduce chronic disease risk. Public Health Nutritionist Patrice Maduro and Ministry communications officials are also promoting practical steps and resources, and have provided contact information for further advice and media enquiries.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is observing Nutrition and Hydration Week from March 17-23 and is encouraging residents across the Virgin Islands to adopt healthier eating habits and stay adequately hydrated to promote better health outcomes, the BVI Government said.
Patrice Maduro warned that many residents are not eating enough fruits and vegetables. “Data shows that approximately 92% of the population in the Virgin Islands consume less than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, with many persons averaging only one fruit and one vegetable daily.
Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve health,” Ms. The Ministry says good nutrition and proper hydration support digestion, circulation, temperature regulation and brain function, while lowering the risk of dehydration, fatigue and long-term conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
The observance highlights that adequate hydration and balanced eating also improve daily energy and overall wellbeing. As part of the week’s activities, the Ministry is promoting practical, achievable steps residents can take right away: fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, choose healthier snack options, cut back on sugary drinks and replace them with water, drink water throughout the day, and include more local fresh produce and water-rich foods in meals.
The Ministry recommends using the Virgin Islands Eat Well Guide for balanced eating advice. Officials stressed that small, consistent changes to daily routines can yield long-term benefits. “Healthy eating and proper hydration do not require drastic changes. Simple, daily habits can significantly improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases,” Ms.
The guidance is especially relevant for parents, older adults and people with chronic health conditions, who are more vulnerable to the effects of poor nutrition and dehydration. Local schools, workplaces and community groups are encouraged to support these efforts by offering healthier food options and ensuring water is readily available.
The Ministry also pointed to opportunities to strengthen local agriculture and markets by choosing locally grown fruits and vegetables when possible, which can boost the territory’s food security while offering fresher options to residents. Update: In a wider communications release, the Ministry provided contact details for those seeking more information or media enquiries.
Public Health Communications Specialist Natasha Lettsome-Humphrey can be reached at nlettsome@gov.vg and by telephone at (284) 468-2286. For international media enquiries email BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com. The Government of the Virgin Islands one-stop services line is (284) 468-3701 and a WhatsApp contact is 1 (284) 468-9760.
For more information and resources, residents can contact the Ministry of Health and Social Development or consult the Virgin Islands Eat Well Guide; the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting the health and social well-being of all residents through sustained programmes and partnerships, the Government statement said.
Primary source: BVI Government