Health

7 reasons why you should receive the COVID-19 Vaccine

The Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine is here. Many of us have already taken the proverbial plunge of that elixir within the syringe, but quite a few still have not. Let me be clear in saying that it’s absolutely okay to have questions and even be a little hesitant. This doctor has no problem with that, but I do see irresponsible posts on social media that makes me cringe sometimes. It’s hard to sort out fact from fiction. I get it.

One thing should be understood from the get go; Vaccines do not and are not designed to prevent contracting any virus or pathogen. This is not the function of a vaccine. The function of a vaccine is to prevent death or serious illness and hopefully dampen transmission to others.

First let me tackle the legitimate negatives.

1. ‘This thing develop very fast!’ —True. But practically all of the world’s major pharmaceutical companies dedicated their smartest scientist to address the pandemic, plus technology has improved at a seeming exponential rate in the last few decades.

2. ‘But I don’t know what’s in the vaccine.’—Um, I don’t know what’s in my Panadol or in my nasal spray either for that matter, but I still use them.

3. ‘But the vaccines have risks.’ —Yes they do, but so does riding my bicycle or even crossing the street. Everything worth doing has risks. In all seriousness, this vaccine is associated with the rare risk of a particular kind of brain clotting in younger females. To this I say consider the greater than 70% chance that severe Covid-19 infection will produce some degree of clotting as a result and affect one or more of your organs, possibly leading to death.

Now let me turn the page and list my 7 reasons why you should receive the vaccine.

1. It’s free. Not a penny needed for this life saving medicine.

2. Even if you get infected with the SARS-Cov2 virus, it’s safe to say that you will not die or be hospitalized. You might not even get sick.

3. You can lime, party and fête without anxiety very shortly. So watch out for independence and Christmas. Not to mention carnival next year.

4. You’ll be able to attend shows and sporting events without worry.

5. You can travel and cruise now on vacation with confidence.

6. The end of the face mask outdoors is in sight the more the rates of vaccinated go up.

7. You can hug and interact with your elderly parents and grandparents, as transmission is determined to be highly unlikely.

Written by Dr. Derek B. Thorpe
Dr. Thorpe is a nuclear medicine and functional medicine physician with post graduate degrees from Cornell School of Medicine and the University of Florida. He mentors clients through the ketogenic diet and treats pain and injury through optimisation of blood flow. mongo505@hotmail.com | (246) 244-9555

Health

Team RUBIS gets set to Walk for the Cure in 2024

RUBIS will Walk for the Cure in 2024, supporting the Company’s silver sponsorship of the annual fundraiser, which is organised by the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme in partnership with CIBC Caribbean.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 6^th, 2024, and Team RUBIS will be out in full force as 103 staff members, their families, and friends join the effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. The event also generates essential funds for purchasing equipment and other critical resources needed by the Breast Screening Programme.

Mellissa Broomes, Brand Marketing Specialist, underscored RUBIS’ commitment to the cause, stating: “We are proud to support the Walk for the Cure, recognising the significance of this cause and its role in educating the community. This initiative is vital in raising both awareness and funds in the fight against cancer, and we are honoured to contribute to such a meaningful and impactful cause.”

Sonya Alleyne, Treasurer of the Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society, welcomed RUBIS’ involvement.

“The Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society is thrilled to welcome Team RUBIS on board as a sponsor for the Walk for the Cure event on Oct 6, 2024. We are mindful that there is a great demand on your marketing spend and are thankful that you chose to invest your dollars in this extremely important area. Your dollars go to ensure that breast cancer screening is done with cutting-edge equipment and diagnostic tools. This way, we can detect breast cancer early and commence lifesaving treatment. Early detection is your BEST protection,” Ms. Alleyne stated.

With its contribution, RUBIS continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility, supporting critical health initiatives that positively impact the lives of Barbadians. (PR)

CAPTION: L-R – Rudolph Smith (RUBIS Sports Club), Sonya Alleyne (Treasurer, Breast Screening Programme), Elsa Yearwood-Gill (RUBIS Sports Club), and Mellissa Broomes (RUBIS Brand Marketing Specialist).

Health

Walk for the Cure Activity Heats up

Activity surrounding the largest walk-for-a-cause in the Eastern Caribbean heats up, as plans are confirmed for the Walk for the Cure which takes place on Sunday 6^th October 2024 starting at 3.30 p.m.

Walk Manager for the BSP Michelle Straughn indicating the location of a tent to one of the sponsors while Samantha Suttle Walk Manager for the bank (front) speaks to Daveny Ellis of DL Smith Productions.

Interest is high from corporate sponsors and their staff who are ready to take part in the walk, as well as the numerous vendors who will be on hand for the expected 20,000 people who will be either walking or running for the Breast Screening Programme (BSP) of the Barbados Cancer Society.

*Walk Manager for the BSP Michelle Straughn indicating to the sponsors one of the locations for their banners with Walk Manager for CIBC Samantha Suttle behind her.*

Many of the sponsors and vendors were on hand for the site visit on Thursday to see where they would physically set up their tents and banners and also get a final briefing on the route which starts at Warrens again this year. (PR)

Health

PwC in the Caribbean makes donation to Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Ross Parker, PwC East Caribbean Territory Leader, proudly announced a donation of BDS$30,000 to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados. The announcement happened at a PwC cocktail reception attended by the PwC network firms operating in the Caribbean’s core leadership team, the local PwC partnership, and key PwC clients and contacts from corporate Barbados.

The NICU at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital plays a critical role in providing specialised care to newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with medical complications. It also supports obstetrics and gynaecology with antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum emergencies. This donation will assist with the purchase of much needed equipment that will help to improve overall patient care. These enhancements are vital for ensuring that the most vulnerable of newborns receive the best possible start in life.

When announcing the donation Ross Parker said, “At PwC, we believe in giving back to the communities that support us. We want to thank the NICU, its doctors and staff for their tireless work and dedication to treating those in need. They’ve provided critical care to the children of many of our PwC colleagues, families and friends, for which we are so grateful. This donation to the NICU underscores our commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve, making a positive impact where it matters the most. We are honoured to contribute to the health and future of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean’s youngest citizens, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.”

PwC had the honour of presenting the cheque to Dr. Angela Jennings and Dr. Gillian Birchwood. Dr. Birchwood expressed her gratitude on behalf of the NICU, highlighting that the donation will significantly enhance the vital care provided to newborns.

Caption: From left to right: Ross Parker, PwC East Caribbean Territory Leader, Dr. Angela Jennings, Head of the Pediatrics Dept, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Dr. Gillian Birchwood, Head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. (PR)