Nurses in public healthcare are set to benefit from a comprehensive safety review across the system, following fresh commitments from the Ministry of Health to address longstanding concerns about workplace security, the Barbados Nurses Association (BNA) said Friday, declaring progress with the authorities on improving safety for nurses.

Plans include strengthening security at polyclinics and the hospital, and looking into panic buttons for staff, said BNA President Faye Parris. 

“BNA had a call from an organisation… who wanted to assist with having panic buttons,” she said, adding that there must first be a “comprehensive assessment so that we can put everything in place.”

A recent town hall meeting with the Ministry of Health was a step in the right direction, according to the BNA. 

“We were very grateful to the ministry for accommodating us and having a town hall meeting, and to be working to strengthen the shuttle service across the system,” Parris said. She added that the BNA is “working with the ministry to collate the information and strengthen that service across the system.”

Safety remains a top concern for nurses, Parris said, noting that after the meeting, the ministry agreed to a full safety review. 

“One of the things that came up at that town hall is that there’s going to be a comprehensive assessment that BNA has been calling for, for a while, of the institutions to assess all their safety needs and come up with a comprehensive plan,” she explained.

While welcoming the government’s response as “favourable”, Parris said “members felt that there could be more urgency when dealing with the matters”.

She was adamant that nurses should not have to work in fear, adding: “What I find we’ve been doing is being reactive… So it has to be collaborative, a joint effort… so that we can be proactive. I want us to be proactive because we can’t afford… a loss of life of a nurse.”

The BNA is also rolling out self-defence classes which are gaining in popularity. 

“We are facilitating defence classes for nurses and as well as we’re going to be doing webinars since the first webinars, and the defence classes are attracting a lot of persons,” Parris said. “We have quite a number of nurses who are signing up for these defence classes.” (LG)

The post BNA: Govt pledges comprehensive safety review for nurses appeared first on Barbados Today.

Health experts have sounded an alarm over the nation’s reliance on imported fruits and vegetables, warning that ultra-processing and genetic modification are stripping food of its nutritional value and threatening public health. 

They called for urgent action to shift eating habits back to locally grown, seasonal produce, as concerns mount over the impact of trade policy on the island’s food security.

Speaking at a Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados workshop at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel on Thursday, clinical nutritionist Nicole Elliott, co-chair of the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, warned that imported produce — particularly apples and corn — may be undergoing ultra-processing or genetic modification that alters their natural characteristics while still appearing deceptively fresh.

“We had an experiment running at school — how long we could keep apples out of the fridge before they went bad — and you can try this out when you get home,” Elliott revealed. “Normal red apples, the ones we used to call ‘50 cent apples’ (gala apples), I guarantee you that if you keep them in the refrigerator, they will last you a year and they will not go rubbery, they will not turn brown. And even if you leave them outside, the same thing will happen. For some reason, those innocent apples that we are accustomed to purchasing now are being subjected to ultra-processing, and they still look like they’re in their natural form.”

She explained that modern food technology and genetic engineering were driving changes that many consumers were unaware of.

“We’ve been seeing product modification and food technology at play for a long time. Depending on where our products come from — and who the importer is — we get foods from countries that do genetic modification, especially with corn, apples, and other items that are in high demand and require large-scale production,” she said.

“So, you’ll find that some apples spoil the way you’d expect — they go through the normal food spoilage process. But others? You leave them out, and nothing happens. They just sit there. Sometimes, you’ll look at an apple and say, ‘This looks too shiny, too perfect,’ almost like the one from the Snow White story. And when you pour hot water on it, the wax coating comes off. That’s because wax is added to make it look more appealing. And that works — we’ve all been conditioned from childhood to think that’s what a ‘good’ apple should look like.”

Elliott cautioned that while not all imported apples or fruits are problematic, Barbadians must begin to think critically about food sources and push for minimal processing.

“Eat the apple — don’t eat the Apple Jacks [cereal]. That’s what I’m saying. We can’t stop eating, but we have to start choosing the lesser of the two evils. A good place to start is eating as close to the farm as possible, as close to the source as possible. Because if that apple already has something added to it at the fresh stage, imagine what’s happening when you start dehydrating it, packaging it in a special kid snack, or mixing it into granola.

“The apple is just an example — not all apples behave the same — but the point is, the more we process it, the further it gets from being an actual apple. By the time you get that so-called ‘apple’, you might as well have been eating dirt. There’s no value left in it — no nutrition, no substance, no flavour — just a name.”

Her comments were echoed by Dr Maddy Murphy, senior lecturer at the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre, part of the University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus. Murphy said the dominance of imported produce in the region’s food systems was driven largely by trade policy — not public health.

“This is one of the biggest issues we have with parents — what are the options? Because the fruits and vegetables are going in a certain direction,” she said. “For most countries in the Caribbean, most of our fruits and veg are imported. [There’s] a whole range of reasons, and it’s not related to health. A lot of this is about the Ministry of Economics and Trade, and those kinds of things. It’s about the World Trade Organisation and being able to bring certain things in.”

Dr Murphy added: “Some of those farms are bigger than some of our islands, so the price that they’re able to send down their fruit and veg — our local products can’t compete a lot of times when it comes to price. That’s something we really need to change in terms of our food and nutrition security.”

She said regional food systems must move towards greater self-sufficiency and cohesion, highlighting the need to increase the availability and appeal of local, seasonal produce.

“We’ve spoken to parents, and they’ll tell you: their kids don’t know what dunks and ackees are any more. They’re just not exposed. When you talk to farmers, they’ll say there’s so much construction and development that a lot of those indigenous fruits and vegetables are being removed and not replaced.”

Both Elliott and Dr Murphy called for renewed efforts to educate Barbadian families — especially children — about local fruits and vegetables, food preparation, and the risks of over-reliance on cheap, imported goods.

“It’s all nice and shiny to have blueberries and strawberries and everything else. But you have a lot of foreigners who come down here — tourists come here and they want to eat our local produce. They see the benefits and talk about breadfruit as a superfood.

“I think what we need to do is education and appreciation for what we have, and really to start getting people to eat local. The food preparation is important. You don’t want to add too many things, but it’s closer to home, it’s less of the pesticides, it’s less of the storage, the waxes and all those things.” 

(SZB)

The post ‘Eat apples, not Apple Jacks’: Bajans urged to eat local, shun ultra-processed imports appeared first on Barbados Today.

Puerto Plata.- The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic has announced the upcoming arrival of the USNS Comfort, a hospital ship from the U.S. Southern Command, as part of the “Continuing Promise 2025” humanitarian mission. The initiative aims to provide free medical services to thousands of Dominicans, reinforcing bilateral cooperation and the shared commitment to public health and humanitarian aid.

During its visit, the ship’s medical team—comprising both U.S. and Dominican professionals—will offer general and pediatric consultations, dental and eye care, preventive exams, minor procedures, and health education workshops. These activities are designed not only to address immediate medical needs but also to promote long-term wellness through hygiene and disease prevention awareness.

The USNS Comfort, which has visited the country in past missions, has long served as a vital resource in responding to natural disasters and delivering large-scale medical aid. Its return underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations. Authorities stated that more information on locations, dates, and service requirements will be released soon, with thousands of Dominicans expected to benefit from the mission’s life-changing services.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has shifted gears into the use of aerospace defence systems to protect the country, President Irfaan Ali announced at the commissioning ceremony for a new Italian-made utility plane. “We have expanded our air assets and capability to include our aerospace investment,” he told the event to officially welcome the Tecnam ...

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic continues to be free of measles, with no cases of local transmission reported since 2001, according to the Ministry of Public Health. However, in response to rising measles cases across the Americas, as reported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the country has intensified its epidemiological surveillance.

For over two decades, all suspected measles cases have been promptly ruled out through clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory testing—efforts led by the General Directorate of Epidemiology in coordination with technical health bodies. Between 2020 and 2025, over 1.6 million MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine doses have been administered to children under two, with a two-dose schedule at 12 and 18 months. The vaccine provides 93% protection after the first dose and up to 97% after the second.

Vaccination coverage has remained high, with first-dose rates above 90% and notable increases in second-dose uptake. During Vaccination Week of the Americas in 2022, the country reached a record 97% coverage among children ages 1 to 5.

So far in 2025, health authorities have reviewed over 1.6 million clinical records and conducted visits to 371 communities with no confirmed measles cases. To maintain this status, the Ministry has implemented a national prevention plan that includes rapid vaccination monitoring, immunization of at-risk individuals, outreach campaigns, and health worker training.

Data from the latest Global AIDS Update Report, released by UNAIDS, shows the Caribbean recorded a 62% reduction in AIDS-related deaths, between 2010 and 2024, the steepest decline among eight regions globally. According to the report—AIDS, Crisis and the Power to Transform—over the last fifteen years, there has been a 54% decline in AIDS-related deaths ...

A primary school in Christ Church was abruptly closed on Tuesday after a seven-year-old pupil was admitted to intensive care with a suspected infectious illness, leaving parents and teachers demanding answers.

The Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) has confirmed that a pupil of Gordon Walters Primary School, in St Patrick’s, was being treated in the Intensive Care Unit, and at least six of his 11 classmates have also fallen ill, with high fever the most common symptom reported. 

Teachers are now calling on health authorities to provide answers, as investigations continue into the child’s condition and the cause of the cluster of student absences.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Education said the decision to close the school was made “out of caution for the health and safety of its staff and students” after being notified by the Principal of the hospital admission.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY at the school, BUT Vice-President Julian Pierre, who chairs the union’s health and safety committee, said the incident had left staff deeply concerned.

“There are a number of students in a particular class – I think the class has 12 students – where about seven of the students are out sick. The general symptom of that class, as reported, was high fever,” he disclosed.

“There are also students from other classes who are absent, reasons being unknown. Similar to the case at St Bernard’s Primary School, the staff is concerned as to what it possibly could be.”

Pierre noted that no official diagnosis had yet been made regarding the child in hospital.

“There has been a report or confirmation from the Chief Medical Officer that there are no cases of scarlet fever,” he said.

News of the hospitalisation began circulating on Monday night, and teachers met with the Principal the following morning. Many expressed discomfort about continuing classes given the uncertainty and the child’s condition.

“Teachers said they were uncomfortable. The level of anxiety was high, especially after what happened at St Bernard’s and the fact that this child had to be hospitalised,” Pierre said. “They’re worried it could be a highly contagious disease.”

The education ministry said in its statement: “The Principal of Gordon Walters Primary conducted a staff briefing this morning to update staff on the student’s welfare. Some teachers communicated feelings of discomfort to the Principal, and choosing to err on the side of caution, [the ministry] closed the school at 11:35 a.m.”

The Ministry of Health was actively investigating the symptoms and circumstances surrounding the child’s admission, the ministry said. 

“As per protocols and best practices, the immediate contacts have been identified and are being appropriately managed,” the statement added.

Despite those assurances, Pierre said the mood among teachers remained tense.

The situation comes just a week after St Bernard’s Primary in St Joseph was forced to close for two days. Several students fell ill at that school, prompting industrial cleaning and a full inspection by health officials. While scarlet fever was ruled out in that instance, two isolated cases of hand, foot and mouth disease were suspected. However, some staff remain unconvinced.

Now, teachers at Gordon Walters are demanding greater transparency from health authorities. Pierre insisted that parents, staff, and the public deserve clear communication.

“There has to be some level of transparency in that if the health officials say it is not a particular thing, there has to be some confirmation to the public as to what it is. This is about the safety of children and those who teach them,” Pierre said. “We need clear, timely information and swift action to prevent panic and protect everyone involved.”

As investigations continue, the BUT is urging parents to be extra cautious.

“We’re asking parents during this time to be vigilant as to the status of their children,” Pierre advised. “Check their skin and so on, make sure that they’re feeling fine. You know that within the school environment, there are many different viruses and bacteria that will pass throughout the school year.

“If you see anything that is irregular, seek medical attention… hopefully it is something that can be treated as soon as possible so there is no further spread of whatever it is that the child may be experiencing.”

The Ministry of Educational Transformation has confirmed that Gordon Walters Primary will remain closed until further notice, pending the outcome of medical investigations and a joint decision with the Ministry of Health.

The current school term ends on Thursday for students.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

The post Classes suspended at Gordon Walters Primary after child hospitalised, others fall ill appeared first on Barbados Today.

View the full post Bermuda mulling digital healthcare collaboration with Grenada on NOW Grenada.

Research developments in Alzheimer’s disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner.

With dementia on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease.

Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer’s risk and management. (See the video at the top of this article.) 

FIRST BLOOD TEST FOR ALZHEIMER'S DIAGNOSIS CLEARED BY FDA

"Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms," he said. "So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s."

He added, "It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind."

Amen, author of the book "Change Your Brain Every Day," confirmed that half of Alzheimer’s cases are preventable, according to recent findings.

This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that "steal your mind," he said.

To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym "BRIGHTMINDS" as follows.

Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the doctor.

Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided.

To promote blood flow, Amen suggests "walking like you’re late," which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking.

"Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain," he said. 

Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer’s risk, Amen said.

'I'M A NEUROLOGIST — HERE'S WHY DEMENTIA IS RISING AND HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK’

He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy.

Inflammation is a "major cause" of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease.

Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor.

"Genes aren't a death sentence," Amen said. "What they should be is a wake-up call."

The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program.

STROKE, DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION SHARE THESE 17 PREVENTABLE RISK FACTORS

"I have heart disease and obesity in my family," he said. "I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life."

Concussions and head trauma are a "major cause" of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided.

"Don't text and drive," he warned.

Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health.

But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned.

"You always want to support your organs in detoxification," he said. "Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol."

Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect.

The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool.

"The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease," he stated.

A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree.

"Stop believing every stupid thing you think," Amen advised.

Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen.

The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system.

The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer’s risk.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Diabesity," a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned.

"You really want to care about your weight," Amen said.

Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases.

"Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way," he said.

"Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night’s slumber "washes" the brain every night, Amen noted.

Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer’s. 

Research developments in Alzheimer’s disease, including newly approved blood tests for early detection, have helped patients get diagnosed sooner.

As the common dementia has been on the rise among younger individuals, the spotlight is on ways to prevent or slow the disease.

Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California, spoke with Fox News Digital in an interview about Alzheimer’s risk and management.

FIRST BLOOD TEST FOR ALZHEIMER'S DIAGNOSIS CLEARED BY FDA

"Alzheimer's starts in your brain decades before you have any symptoms," he said. "So, a 59-year-old woman I diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease likely had negative changes in her brain in her 20s."

"It's really never too early to think about protecting your brain and your mind."

Amen, who also authored the book "Preventing Alzheimer’s," confirmed that half of Alzheimer’s cases are preventable, according to recent findings.

This can be done through nurturing brain health and treating the 11 major risk factors that "steal your mind," he said.

To remember the factors that can help ward off Alzheimer's, Amen created the acronym "BRIGHTMINDS" as follows.

Low blood flow is the No. 1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the doctor.

Alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, nicotine, sedentary behavior and excess weight or obesity can all decrease blood flow, thus should be avoided.

To promote blood flow, Amen suggests "walking like you’re late," which could entail walking 30 minutes a day — alternating between three minutes of normal walking and three minutes of fast walking.

"Do that five times for 30 minutes, and it increases blood flow to your brain," he said. 

Along with retirement and aging can come a slowdown in learning and cognitive activity, leading to a higher Alzheimer’s risk, Amen said.

'I'M A NEUROLOGIST — HERE'S WHY DEMENTIA IS RISING AND HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK’

He encourages retirees to learn something new every day to keep the brain active and healthy.

Inflammation is a "major cause" of psychiatric issues, Amen revealed, as well as conditions like cancer, arthritis and heart disease.

Flossing is an easy way to reduce inflammation in the gums and help prevent gum disease, which is a gateway to brain disease, according to the doctor.

"Genes aren't a death sentence," Amen said. "What they should be is a wake-up call."

The doctor said everyone should take steps to discover which diseases run in the family and then follow a daily prevention program.

STROKE, DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION SHARE THESE 17 PREVENTABLE RISK FACTORS

"I have heart disease and obesity in my family," he said. "I don't have heart disease, and I'm not overweight. Why? Because I'm on an obesity heart disease prevention program every day of my life."

Concussions and head trauma are a "major cause" of psychiatric problems, Amen described, and should be avoided.

"Don't text and drive," he warned.

Some well-known toxins like alcohol, marijuana and other drugs are known to have negative impacts on overall health.

But some not-so-obvious toxins can include lead, mold, mercury from fish, and even general anesthesia, Amen cautioned.

"You always want to support your organs in detoxification," he said. "Drink more water, as it helps flush things through your kidneys … eat more fiber for your gut, and hold the alcohol."

Amen also suggested eating brassicas, which include vegetables in the cabbage family, as they have a detoxifying effect.

The expert also highlighted the benefits of sauna use as a detox tool.

"The people who take the most saunas have the lowest incidence of Alzheimer's disease," he stated.

A healthy mental state will help support a healthier brain, experts agree.

"Stop believing every stupid thing you think," Amen advised.

Keeping your body healthy and immune from infections is key to overall health, according to Amen.

The doctor suggested optimizing vitamin D intake, which can help support the brain and immune system.

The brain specialist recommends having a hormone balance check done every year, as any imbalances can interfere with the brain and increase Alzheimer’s risk.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Diabesity," a term referring to the parallel occurrence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can be a major threat to overall health, the doctor warned.

"You really want to care about your weight," Amen said.

Weight and diet play an important role in brain health, as Amen's research has shown that as weight increases, the size and function of the brain decreases.

"Being overweight, you automatically have 10 of the 11 risk factors, because being overweight lowers blood flow, accelerates aging, increases inflammation and changes your hormones in a negative way," he said.

"Be mindful of only loving food that loves you back."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Sleep is crucial for a high-functioning mind, as an adequate night’s slumber "washes" the brain every night, Amen noted.

Better sleep translates to improved memory, energy, blood flow and decision-making, the doctor said, and should be a priority when working to prevent Alzheimer’s.