The Ministry of Health & Wellness is pleased to announce that on Friday 20th October, 2023the 1st cohort of 50 Bahamian men and women departed for a remarkable medical mission to the Republic of Cuba. The patients will undergo essential cataract and retinal surgeries.The Minister of Health & Wellness, the Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville, and eleven support staff inclusive of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Eye Nurses and Patient CareAssistants accompanied the cohort to Cuba. This mission marks the beginning of a transformative healthcare initiative that has the potential to benefit up to 600 patients representing a monumental step forward in addressing critical eye health issues in our nation.

Over the course of one week, while in Cuba the participants will be involved in additionalscreenings and assessments; surgery, treatment and follow up care prior to their travel backto the capital next Friday. The members of the 1st cohort will continue to receive scheduledfollow-up care once back in The Bahamas at the Eye Care Centre to ensure a full andsuccessful recovery process.

Funding for this medical mission is allocated from the Catastrophic Healthcare Budget,underscoring the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Bahamian citizens haveaccess to long awaited medical services. Minister Darville stated, “This initiative has beenfive months in the making and is a remarkable step towards enhancing the quality of life forour citizens and it underscores the Ministry’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all.”

Minister Darville also expressed his gratitude to the Cuban Government and AmbassadorJulio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante for the invaluable support given in making this medicalmission a reality. He stated, “This collaboration is a demonstration of our continued sharedcommitment to fostering good health and wellness for our citizens.”

The Ministry of Health & Wellness is pleased to announce that on Friday 20th October, 2023 the 1st cohort of 50 Bahamian men and women departed for a remarkable medical mission to the Republic of Cuba. The patients will undergo essential cataract and retinal surgeries. The Minister of Health & Wellness, the Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville, and eleven support staff inclusive of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Eye Nurses and Patient Care Assistants accompanied the cohort to Cuba. This mission marks the beginning of a transformative healthcare initiative that has the potential to benefit up to 600 patients representing a monumental step forward in addressing critical eye health issues in our nation. Over the course of one week, while in Cuba the participants will be involved in additional screenings and assessments; surgery, treatment and follow up care prior to their travel back to the capital next Friday. The members of the 1st cohort will continue to receive scheduled follow-up care once back in The Bahamas at the Eye Care Centre to ensure a full and successful recovery process. Funding for this medical mission is allocated from the Catastrophic Healthcare Budget, underscoring the Government’s commitment to ensuring that Bahamian citizens have access to long awaited medical services. Minister Darville stated, “This initiative has been five months in the making and is a remarkable step towards enhancing the quality of life for our citizens and it underscores the Ministry’s commitment to accessible healthcare for all.” Minister Darville also expressed his gratitude to the Cuban Government and Ambassador Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante for the invaluable support given in making this medical mission a reality. He stated, “This collaboration is a demonstration of our continued shared commitment to fostering good health and wellness for our citizens.”

The Ministry of Health and Wellness held a one-day forum at the National Training Agency (NTA) on Friday, October 13, 2023 on the topic, 'Integration for Health System Strengthening in The Bahamas.'

Some topics discussed included the Impact of PAHO’s Strategy in promoting Health Services Delivery Networks; Opportunities for securing alternate financing to accelerate National Development; and Global trends and challenges in the development and retention of human capital for Health Systems.

Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville said the forum is aimed at developing 'One Country, One Plan for Health.'

Attending the workshop were personnel of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and health system programmes stakeholders.  The forum was facilitated by Mr. Colin Higgs Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness held a one-day forum at the National Training Agency (NTA) on Friday, October 13, 2023 on the topic, 'Integration for Health System Strengthening in The Bahamas.' Some topics discussed included the Impact of PAHO’s Strategy in promoting Health Services Delivery Networks; Opportunities for securing alternate financing to accelerate National Development; and Global trends and challenges in the development and retention of human capital for Health Systems. Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville said the forum is aimed at developing 'One Country, One Plan for Health.' Attending the workshop were personnel of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and health system programmes stakeholders.  The forum was facilitated by Mr. Colin Higgs Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness

Dengue Alert - Tuesday, October 10, 2023

What Is A Breast Self-Exam? A breast self-exam is an early detection tool that uses a combination of physical and visual examinations of the breasts to check for signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The purpose of a breast self-exam is to become familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, also called breast self-awareness, will help you identify any changes or abnormalities in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. Any changes in your breasts discovered during a breast self-exam should be reported to your healthcare provider right away.

While a breast self-exam is a useful tool for the early detection of breast cancer, it should not take the place of regular mammograms and clinical breast exams.

How Often Should A Breast Self-Exam Be Performed?

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Lillie D. Shockney, Johns Hopkins University Distinguished Service Professor of Breast Cancer states, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”

For women still menstruating, a breast self-exam should be performed a few days after her period ends. For those who are post-menopausal, a breast self-exam should be performed on the same day of each month, such as the 1st or 15th day of the month.

While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Alert your healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump, sore spot, changes in the appearance of the skin, or nipple discharge.

Can I Rely On Breast Self-Exams Alone To Be Sure I Am Breast Cancer Free?

Mammography can usually detect tumors before they can be felt, so screening is key for early detection. But when combined with regular medical care and appropriate guideline-recommended mammography, breast self-exams can help women know what is normal for them so they can report any changes to their healthcare provider.

If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don’t panic — 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous. For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever you have concerns.

 

Source: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/