Marlon Vickerman, Gleaner Writer

The St. Andrew Charter of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica was on Saturday urged to practise a healthy lifestyle in order to ensure good cardiovascular health.

The advice came from Dr. Shamari Blake, a young medical doctor hailing from one of Kingston's inner cities.

Addressing the Lay Magistrates and Justices of the Peace at their quarterly meeting held at the Medallion Hall in St. Andrew, Dr. Blake, a Rae Town resident, stressed the importance of dieting and exercise as the perfect ingredients for preventing and controlling chronic illnesses. He also highlighted the necessity for men over 40 years old to have their prostates checked frequently.

Common illnesses

"Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, commonly called 'sugar', and hypertension are common in Jamaica," he said. "Proper dieting and exercise can help in controlling these illnesses or prevent them in some cases. It is important that you have a formal workout session every day for at least half an hour."

Dr. Blake added: "Doing this for three to four times per week is very effective, as it burns the excess calories in the body and improves the condition of the heart and the overall body, making you healthier."

He said it was also important for smokers to try and give up this practice and for non-smokers to remain that way, as smoking exposes persons to the risk of lung cancer.

In closing, Dr. Blake warned that excess fat around the waist and abdominal areas of the body may be an indication that an individual lacks an active enough lifestyle and may become obese, which may give rise to other illnesses and complications.