
Barbados Family Planning’s Sexual & Reproductive Health Conference June 24-25, 2017
The Barbados Family Planning Association will be hosting its first medical conference on Sexual and Reproductive Health in the Caribbean on June 24-25, 2017. 
Scheduled to be held at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel in Barbados, the goal of this conference is to provide an opportunity for information sharing and enhanced knowledge of current sexual and reproductive health practices, psychosocial perspectives, patient considerations and barriers to care. Topics explored include contraception, fertility, chronic disease and reproductive health, sexual transmitted infections, adolescent health and more. Health care providers, mental health professionals, health educators and others involved in the multidisciplinary care and intervention network are welcome to attend this event. The hours of this event will contribute to Continuing Professional Education credits for the participants.
The panel will feature guest presenter Helen Knox, UK’s first Outreach Clinical Nurse Specialist in Contraception and Sexual Health who is an expert in contraception and sexual health training and publications for all age groups, using exciting, motivational, and innovative ways. Her main presentation will be a special interactive workshop on Men’s Sexual Health, exploring the challenges that arise with male sexual health consultations and examinations. Helen is well-known in Barbados for her “Sexplained” column in the Better Health Magazine.
Dr. Juliet Skinner of the internationally accredited Barbados Fertility Clinic will open the medical education programme supported by a stellar faculty of the Barbadian health care providers lead by Dr. Tracy Archer, Medical Director of the Barbados Family Planning Association.
RSVP: www.hibiscushealthcaribbeanevents.eventbrite.com
See the programme below: Continue reading “Barbados Family Planning’s Sexual & Reproductive Health Conference June 24-25, 2017”
Communication in Cancer Care June 22

Understanding how to optimize the communication process between patients/family and the health care delivery team is essential to our goal of reducing the burden of cancer.
This CME will explore various aspects of communication in cancer care and will feature Miami-based Radiation Oncologist Dr. Sophia Edwards-Bennett and local health care providers.
About the Guest Speaker
Dr. Sophia Edwards-Bennett (known by her patients as Dr. EB) is board certified in
Radiation Oncology. She is passionate about patient care and believes that every patient is special and unique. Her philosophy is that when patients, their spouses and family members entrust their lives into her hands, she should summon all her zeal, knowledge and expertise to unreservedly render the best care to all her patients. She has authored multiple articles; is co-chair of the SCCA Breast Committee, and serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of SCMA, the South Carolina Cancer Control Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) Membership Committee.
This programme is valid for 3-Credits from the Barbados Nursing Council. Credit from the Barbados Medical Council is pending.
Programme
530-540 Opening Remarks
5.40-6.20 Current Situation – A review of challenges and opportunities in Barbados, Dr. June Clarke, Oncologist, Barbados
6.20-7.20 Diary of a Cancer Patient: Communications during the Journey -from Diagnosis to Treatment and Beyond” , Dr. Sophia Edwards-Bennett, Radiation Oncologist, 21st Century Oncology, USA
7.20-7.35 Break/ Refreshments
7.35-8.15 Misinformation, Miscommunications & Misconceptions, Lisa Dodson, RN & Virginia Broome, RN, QEH, Barbados
8.15-8.45 Medical Family Therapy: The Integrated Care Model of Illness and Family Care, Janelle Chase-Mayers, Creative Systemic Therapist, PHD Candidate in Marriage & Family Therapy, ULM, Barbados
8.45-9.00 Discussion
Helene is Coming to Barbados!!!
Helene is Coming Barbados! Listen to her special message on YouTube.
Nutrition Corner: Benefits of Apples

Here is some info about the Health benefits of Apples…..
1. Apples are filled with soluble fiber (5 grams)
This fiber has been shown to reduce intestinal disorders, including diverticulitis, hemorrhoids and possibly some types of cancer.
Helps control insulin levels by releasing sugar slowly into the bloodstream.
Cleanses and detoxifies, which helps eliminate heavy metals, such as lead and mercury.
2. Apple pectin helps reduce cholesterol levels by lowering insulin secretion.
3. In two studies researchers found that eating five apples a week lowered the risk for respiratory diseases like asthma.
4. According to Chinese Medicine: Apples strengthen the heart, quench thirst, lubricate the lungs, decrease mucous and increase body fluids.
5. Apple cider vinegar can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
6. Studies indicate that eating apples daily can reduce skin diseases.
7. According to a Brazilian study, eating an apple before a meal helped women lose 33 percent more weight than those who didn’t.
8. An apple has only 50-80 calories and has no fat or sodium.
9. Apples are packed with vitamins C, A , and flavonoids and with smaller amounts of phosphorus, iron, and calcium.
10. Apples provide a source of potassium which may promote heart health.
From
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-reasons-to-eat-an-apple-a-day.html
Lowering Blood Pressure with Potassium Enriched foods
Read this interesting article from Sciencedaily.com on the link between potassium and lowering blood pressure.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170405130950.htm
Being Heart Healthy with Helene Charlebois-Reducing Cholesterol
According to Canadian Helene Charlebois your high fibre foods such as grains and vegetables and Omega 3 filled foods can help low your cholesterol….take a look.
Reading Food Labels with Helene
Do we really understand what 10 g of sugar means? Find out how to read nutrition labels with Canadian Registered Dietitian, Helene Charlebois. Remember she will be here May 6-7. Book your tickets at this link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nutrition-for-non-nutritionists-workshop-tickets-32386273215?aff=es2.
About Local Feature Speaker, Dr. V. Rene Best – Nutrition Workshop May 2017
Brief Biography of Dr V. Rene Best
Dr. Best is a physician in private practice in Barbados and he also serves as the Force Medical Officer of the Barbados Defense Force where he carries the rank of Captain.. At present he is the Rehabilitation Coordinator on the Medical Panel of the West Indies Cricket Board.
After completing his Undergraduate medical training at the University of the West Indies, he went on to receive a MSc in Family Medicine with distinction, followed by a DM (Doctor of Medicine postgraduate degree) in Family Medicine. He also holds a MSc in Sports Medicine and certification in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.
Dr. Best has served as a Barbados National team doctor for various sports and has done several tours including CAC Games, Pan Am Games, World Military Games, Youth Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
He is the President of Barbados Sports Medicine Association as well as a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Anti-Doping Commission and the Barbados Football Association Medical Committee.
He is a former Under 20 Chess Champion and enjoys running 5K, 10K and half marathon races.
Dr. Best will be speaking at the upcoming nutrition workshops with Canadian Registered Dietitian, Helene Charlebois in May 2017.
Helene Talks About Boosting Testosterone
Helene talks about testosterone and food….take a look.