Healthcare conference to focus on nutrition

CNS Editor | 12/07/2017

Participants at last year’s opening ceremony

(CNS Local Life): The eighth annual Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference, which takes place from 19-21 October and is themed, “Food for Thought: Exploring the relationship between nutrition and health”, will cover a range of topics including food and heart health, diseases triggered by food, fact vs myth about diets and supplements, food and mental health, life after bariatric surgery, and nutrition and cancer treatment.

With the 2016 conference drawing a record attendance of more than 1,000 local and overseas delegates, organisers stated in a press release they are looking forward to another successful and educational event this year.

Minister of Health Dwayne Seymour noted that dietary needs and nutrition play an integral role in health and well-being. “The ministry felt it was appropriate that this year’s theme be centred around the connection between good nutrition and better health in order to educate the community on how they can take control of their own health and wellness,” he said.

“By bringing together experts from a variety of fields, we aim to provide healthcare professionals the opportunity to develop their knowledge of nutrition and its implications on health to ultimately create a better experience for their patients.

“This conference also offers a wealth of knowledge to members of the wider community to educate themselves on ways to utilise food to support the health and wellness of themselves their families and clients.”

Lizzette Yearwood, chair of the conference planning committee and CEO of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, said the event once again offers a learning opportunity for both medical professionals and the general public through the various presentations and breakout sessions.

“Whether attending for business or personal reasons, it is my sincerest hope that everyone leaves the conference with the knowledge and tools to sustain their health through good nutrition,” Yearwood said.

As in previous years, the event, being held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, is free to attend due to the support of sponsors.