Ccontributed photos
LEFT: Tessanne signs her autograph at the expo.
RIGHT: Chris Bird (right) exchanges pleasantries with his wife Nikia Forbes-Bird, while Stephen Lyn Kee Chow listens in.

The heavy rains last weekend did not stop health-conscious individuals from coming out to the inaugural Jamaica Central (JAMCEN) Health and Wellness Expo in Mandeville, Manchester.

The event, geared at developing a culture of wellness in central Jamaica, achieved its objectives as persons from all three parishes - Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth - were present on Sunday, November 9.

The approach of the expo was a 'preventative maintenance' one, where discussions surrounded the prevention of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke. Experts present were Dr Vinola Fowler, Dr Ted Emanuel, Paul Hamilton, Nain Maxwell and Dr Mark White, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Health. In most instances, the practitioners emphasised the age-old proper nutrition, exercise, diet and added relaxation as an important element of keeping the stressors at bay.

Simple exercises like skipping, bending and touching the toes and walking were demonstrated. The G.C. Foster team of experts were on hand and did tests such as body mass index and flexibility, as well as recommend exercise programmes to control or reduce weight.

The patrons were engaged by MC Jenny Jenny who gave out many prizes for on-stage fitness activities from key sponsor Excelsior, and later with performances by Tessanne Chin and Diamara Neil. The next staging is set for March 2009.