07Mar2026
donate
07Mar2026
donate
logotype

Contacts

Bird Rock, St Kitts, St Kitts and Nevis, West Indies

info@lakehealthandwellbeing.com

+1 869 765 8702

Blog

Category: Blog

Conference Picture
BlogYou're Sweet Enough
July 8, 2021

We Speak at HCC’s Conference

The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) hosted a virtual conference on July 1, 2021. The conference was packed with interesting and informative panel presentations that aligned with the conference theme “Our Food, Our Health, Our People: Accelerating Healthy Food Policies to Tackle NCDs”. Participants learned from academics, legal experts, public health officials, health practitioners, youth advocates, and representatives from the CARICOM NCD Commission, FAO, and PAHO. Sessions covered topics around shaping our Caribbean food supply systems for healthier environments, improving food system governance by managing conflicts of interest and shaping people-centered movements for change.

Even though it was a virtual conference, participants had the opportunity to interact online and to get moving at home during scheduled health breaks that incorporated music, dance and guided breathing and mindfulness exercises, all of which were helpful activities to stay focused throughout the day.

 

During the lunch break, Abi Begho, Director at Lake Health and Wellbeing, facilitated a lunchtime conversation about the power of digital advocacy for healthier food environments, based on lessons learned from implementing the You’re Sweet Enough campaign. Digital platforms like social media are increasingly being used by various stakeholders to reach the public. As civil society organizations, we are learning to adapt and find innovative ways to amplify messages that sensitize the public and call policymakers to action as we advocate for healthier food policies and programs. From the conversation, we learned how social media can be strategically leveraged to target different audiences, we see how short video clips and animations are powerful and effective at communicating key messages, and we are encouraged to be consistent in posting and sharing content so that the scope and reach of our advocacy can be extended and amplified.

Check out the video clip below to view the Lunchtime Conversation on the Power of Digital Advocacy.

By admin
YouAreSweetEnoughImage
DietYou're Sweet Enough
July 1, 2021

Secrets of Sugar Film Screening

As part of our You’re Sweet Enough campaign we hosted a virtual screening of the documentary The Secrets of Sugar. This documentary exposes research results that reveal the shocking truth about sugar that the sugar industry has been hiding from consumers. You can watch this documentary below: 

Following the screening, our founder, Abi Begho, and our Advocacy and Research Officer, Isalean Phillip, had an engaging discussion about the issues raised in this documentary including the food and beverage industry’s role in the obesity crisis and approaches to reducing the public’s consumption of sugar.

 

By admin
YouAreSweetEnoughImage
DietUncategorizedYou're Sweet Enough
June 28, 2021

Healthy Alternatives to SSBs

We had a fun time partnering with In Ya Kitchen and the St. Kitts Health Promotion Unit to create some tasty, easy to make unsweetened beverages as part of our You’re Sweet Enough campaign.

Check out the videos below to learn how to make a Mango Mystique and a Monkey Chaser. Try them out and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Mango Mystique

Monkey Chaser

By admin
CoverImageForYouTube
DietYou're Sweet Enough
June 18, 2021

Sweetened Beverages Webinar

On Saturday 12 June 2021, we teamed up with Black History Walks to host a webinar entitled the Dangers of Sweetened Beverages in the African Diaspora. This event was part of Black History Walks’ event series in conjunction with the UCL Sarah Parker Remond Centre.

The webinar was moderated by Abi Begho, the Founder of Lake Health and Wellbeing and speakers included:

This event provided us with the opportunity to extend our reach beyond the shores of the Caribbean Sea and connect with the Caribbean community in the UK. This connection to the Caribbean is an important one because our communities have the same health concerns. In the Caribbean, we are faced with an NCD epidemic. PAHO reports that 78% of all deaths in the Caribbean are due to NCDs and 76% of all premature deaths are caused by these diseases1. The rates of NCDs across the Caribbean are high with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer and stroke being the most common NCDs. In the UK, the African diaspora community, which includes communities with connections to Africa and the Caribbean, face the same health challenges. The Black community in the UK, have higher rates of type 2 diabetes, some cancers and hypertension than their white counterparts2,3. Additionally, they are more likely to be diagnosed with these conditions at a later stage and therefore have poorer outcomes.

Some of the factors fuelling the high rates of NCDs on both sides of the Atlantic are physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, harmful use of alcohol and tobacco use. To tackle NCDs, we have to encourage behaviour change that encourages people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Through our You’re Sweet Enough campaign we’re focusing on one aspect of the public’s lifestyle, healthy drinking.

Research has shown that the food we eat and the drinks we consume contribute to increasing our risk of developing NCDs. Specifically, sweetened beverages (SBs). These types of drinks have been linked to unhealthy weight gain and obesity, which are associated with NCDs. This is because of their very high sugar content. Hence, our campaign encourages the public to reduce their consumption of SBs and to select water instead.

This webinar was part of our drive to educate the public about the harms of SBs. We also used this opportunity to highlight the challenges that the public health community faces when implementing strategies to reduce SB consumption and examples of successful approaches. This event was very well received by participants, with there being a high level of engagement throughout the event with the chat and Q&A being very lively.

We’d like to say a big thank you to Black History Walk and the Sarah Parker Remond Centre for giving us the opportunity to raise awareness of this important issue. We would also like to thank all those who attended and last, but definitely not least, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Francine Charles, Rachel Morrison and Isalean Phillip for their very informative presentations.

If you missed this event, you can watch the recording below.

*******

  1. NCDs in the Caribbean, PAHO (2016)
  2. Diabetes UK
  3. Schofield P. Br J Gen Pract. 2011; 61 (585): 190-196
By admin
Affiche-campagne-421×432
Fibroids
June 16, 2021

Fibrome Info France’s Ongoing Fibroids Campaign

As we begin our work to support women in St Kitts and Nevis who have been affected by fibroids, it has been interesting to explore what is happening on the global scene. When we take a closer look, we see that there are organisations working tirelessly in their jurisdictions to highlight this neglected woman’s health issue.

Today, we’re going to look at Fibrome Info France’s campaign which was launched in March 2021. As part of this campaign, Fibrome Info France partnered with the Women’s Right Ministry in France to raise awareness of menstruation and fibroids. Their campaign aimed to use a variety of communication platforms to empower women with information about fibroids that would empower women to take control of their health. Their campaign focuses on the health and societal challenges associated with fibroids such as the huge burden fibroids place on women’s quality of life and women’s sexual and reproductive health and the action that is required to address these issues.

In April,  their campaign rolled out in hospitals, clinics and medical practices and they utilised printed material including posters and leaflets which were distributed across 550 relay points.  Furthermore, this month (June 2021) their campaign moved into another phase where they will host a series of webinars in partnership with medical experts and these webinars will continue until October 2021.

This is a great campaign that provides much-needed information around fibroids and we’re sure it will make a significant difference by highlighting this important women’s health issue, empowering women with fibroids and providing women with access to the support that they need to manage fibroids.

More Information

To find out more about Fibrome Info France you can visit their website here or follow them on social media:

By admin
BlackWomenTalking.jpg
Women's Health
May 14, 2021

Menstrual Health Has a Definition

We were absolutely delighted to learn that the term menstrual health now has an official definition. This is a huge achievement and will be of significant benefit to organisations, like us, working on health issues that impact menstrual health. Specifically, this will enable us to provide more clarity and structure around the work we do on fibroids.

The work to develop a definition for menstrual health was led by the Terminology Action Group of the Global Menstrual Collective.  Using the WHO’s definition of health, the Lancet Guttmacher Commission’s definition of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and past concepts of menstrual hygiene and menstrual health, a multi-stakeholder group developed a comprehensive definition to:

  1. Ensure menstrual health is recognised as a significant global health issue
  2. Highlight the multi-faceted nature of menstrual health
  3. Facilitate a shared language when discussing menstrual health issues

Important points to note about this definition are that it:

  • Considers mental, social and physical wellbeing
  • Highlights the need for age-appropriate education
  • Highlights the right for women to take care of themselves during menstruation and be able to access timely diagnosis, treatment and care for menstrual health-related issues
  • Recognises the need for women to be treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity when it comes to issues related to their menstrual cycle
  • Stresses that women should have a choice as to when and how they participate in all areas of society during the different phases of their menstrual cycle
  • Recognises that menstrual health is not just limited to women’s periods

For us, this definition will be instrumental as we take forward the findings of our fibroids qualitative research project. Now that we have a formal definition for menstrual health, we can apply this to the menstrual health challenges that women with fibroids experience. This will create more structure around our future policy, advocacy, research and public health interventions aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women living with fibroids.

More Information

For more information, you can read the journal article published by the Global Menstrual Collective here

.

By admin
SodaPicture
CancerYou're Sweet Enough
May 12, 2021

SSBs and Bowel Cancer

On 6th May 2021, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine published the findings from their research exploring the link between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and early-onset bowel cancer (bowel cancer before the age of 50) in women. They found that women, under the age of 50, who consumed two or more servings of SSBs per day were more than twice as likely to develop bowel cancer than women who consumed less than one serving per week.

This piece of work was part of the ongoing Nurses’ Health Study II (1991-2015) and included 95,464 women who were asked to record their food and beverage intake every four years for 24 years. Additionally, researchers collected information on potential risk factors for bowel cancer such as weight, diet, family history, smoking habits, physical activity and use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Then, using statistical analysis, they explored any links between SSB intake and early-onset bowel cancer.

What Did They Find?

They found that women who consumed high quantities of SSBs in adulthood were more likely to be less physically active, consume red and processed meats and have a poor-quality diet. They also found that high consumption of SSBs in adulthood and adolescence was linked to a higher risk of developing early-onset bowel cancer (no link was observed with fruit juice consumption or artificially sweetened beverages).  It is important to note that this link was observed after taking into account the main risk factors for bowel cancer (e.g. diet, exercise and other related factors).

Researchers reported that out of the 95,464 women who were studied over the 24 years, 109 went on to develop early-onset bowel cancer.

Although researchers found a link between early-onset bowel cancer and SSB consumption because this was an observational study, they were unable to provide information on the exact cause of bowel cancer in their study population; more research is needed to understand their findings. Furthermore, this study included mostly white females and additional work is needed to explore this link in men and other ethnic groups.

What Does This Research Mean for the Public?

This research provides further evidence of the negative impact that high levels of SSB consumption may have on the public’s health and highlights the need for the public to reduce their SSB consumption.

More Information

For more detailed information on this study, you can read the full research paper here.

You can also find general information about bowel cancer on Bowel Cancer UK’s website

By admin
BlackWomenTalking.jpg
Women's Health
April 4, 2021

Caribbean Region Unites in the War Against Endometriosis

Trudy Christian

President of the Dominica PCOS Association

March is designated as “Endometriosis Awareness Month.” Endometriosis is a serious medical disorder which affects women of any age. It occurs when tissue resembling the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, on organs and structures both in the pelvic region (ex. ovaries)  and outside of the pelvic region (ex. lungs). This tissue behaves just like endometrial tissue would and responds to monthly fluctuations in hormones during the menstrual cycle, building up and attempting to shed but with no exit path. The condition often causes debilitating pain, heavy and painful menstrual periods and mental health distress. Organizations across the Caribbean region who have taken up the mantle in advocating for greater awareness of women’s health issues joined their voices on the evening of March 31st 2021 to shine a much needed light on endometriosis and the current needs of the region in that regard.

The regional collaborative effort manifested itself in the form of a webinar, with presentations on different aspects of endometriosis and its management from each women’s health advocate. The panellists touched on the symptoms of endometriosis and barriers which may exist to diagnosis and treatment. Some of the focus of the discussion was on the mental health implications of endometriosis and how patients can self-advocate and empower themselves when facing the disease. The essential nature of early intervention and the need to approach endometriosis with a multidisciplinary approach was also highlighted. 

Trudy Christian, founder of the Dominica PCOS Association moderated the panel and presentations were made by Abi Begho, founder of Lake Health and Wellbeing in St. Kitts, Julia Mandeville, co-founder of the Barbados Association of Endometriosis and PCOS, Odelia Thomas, founder of She is Lotus of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Rovin Fevrier, founder of the St. Lucia Endometriosis, PCOS and Adenomyosis Support Group and Abeesha Toussaint, founder of the Trinidad & Tobago Endometriosis Association. Sandrina Davis of Jamaica, who is the Country Director of International Samaritan, shared her lived experience with endometriosis with the audience. She gave the story of her journey with the dreadful disease and ended with a message of hope and empathy. 

The virtual event was an immense success, receiving positive feedback and healthy interaction from those who were in attendance. Several women voiced their concerns over aspects of handling endometriosis such as the availability of specialists for quality interventions, the impact of diet on the condition and the options as it relates to fertility. The panellists hope to continue in their quest of regional communication and collaboration in dealing with women’s health concerns. In minimal resource settings of individual Caribbean islands, it was wholeheartedly agreed upon that collaboration is the best way forward. One region with sisters united in advocacy, awareness and focus. Endometriosis and other female pelvic disorders should be scared. 

If you missed this event, you can watch a recording of the session below. 

By admin
YouAreSweetEnoughImage
DietObesityYou're Sweet Enough
March 30, 2021

You’re Sweet Enough Campaign Launch

On 22nd March, we joined our partners from the Ministry of Health to launch our You’re Sweet Enough campaign.

This 9-month campaign aims to raise awareness of the harmful health effects of consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and encourage everyone to drink water as the healthy alternative.

Speakers at this event included Isalean Phillip, our Advocacy and Research Officer and Dr Marissa Carty, the NCD Coordinator at the Ministry of Health. 

Isalean Phillip started the event by highlighting that non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death in St Kitts and Nevis with 83% of deaths being attributed to these conditions. Ms Phillips also explained that driving the development of non-communicable diseases is the high rate of obesity in the Federation. Therefore, this campaign focuses on one cause of obesity, the overconsumption of SSBs. Ms Phillip went on to explain that regular consumption of sugary drinks is found to be linked to weight gain and obesity, and this increases our risk of developing diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers.

Isalean Phillip, Advocacy and Research Officer, Lake Health and Wellbeing

Dr Marissa Carty, the NCD Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, then provided some remarks and stated that the Ministry recognises the urgent need to protect the health of the nation and one important approach is to reduce the public’s consumption of SSBs.  She went on to voice her disappointment at “the deceptive and manipulative marketing of SSBs to vulnerable communities and demographics such as children, youth and young adults” and described some of the measures that are required to reduce SSB consumption – an SSB tax adequate nutrition labelling of SSBs and evidence-based information about the harmful effects of SSBs. 

Dr Marissa Carty, NCD Coordinator, Ministry of Health

The event ended with the official launch of the campaign materials by Abi Begho, Lake Health and Wellbeing’s Director. Mrs Begho showcased the campaign jingle (with vocals provided by local artist Dejour), billboards, the first educational animation and community leader video.

Abi Begho, Director, Lake Health and Wellbeing

We had a great time at our launch event and are very much looking forward to making a difference through this campaign. You can visit the campaign website to find out more and to be kept up-to-date.

By admin
business-3219266_640
Blog
February 25, 2021

We Welcome Our New Advocacy and Research Officer

We are absolutely delighted to welcome our new Advocacy and Research Officer, Isalean Phillip. Isalean has a strong background in policy and advocacy with a concentration in gender, equity, diversity and inclusion. 

Isalean will be taking the lead on our new project to create a healthy food environment where the public can easily make healthy choices. Specifically, her work will focus on advocating for government and private sector policies and decisions related to healthy and unhealthy beverages and implementing a campaign focusing on sugar-sweetened beverages.

In today’s blog, we take you behind the scenes to learn more about Isalean and what inspires her.

Tells us about your career journey so far.

I think I’m fortunate to have a diverse professional background having worked with non-profits, NGOs and government departments on various aspects of policy development, including academic research and analysis, lobbying and advocacy, public education, policy writing and program/project implementation and coordination. Given my passion for social development and transformation, I tend to gravitate towards organizations and projects that address issues affecting vulnerable populations like women, children and youth, black, indigenous and people of colour.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in policy and advocacy?

I have a history of youth leadership and advocacy. I was a former Leeward Island debater, youth parliamentarian and Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and the exposure I gained in these areas really ignited my passion for advocacy, particularly around social policy. I’m also very scholarly so it felt like a natural pivot to build a career as a policy professional who is able to apply strong communication, research and analytical skills to lead and coordinate various aspects of policy development.

What role do you think policy plays in improving the public’s health?

I believe that policy is an essential tool for enabling social change and transformation. Ultimately, public health policy is intended to protect and preserve the health and wellness of all persons to ensure we live full and productive lives. And so, polices play a critical role by regulating health practices and procedures, removing barriers for more equitable access to health-related resources and influencing behavior change to cultivate healthier habits and lifestyles.

What are you most looking forward to about working with Lake Health and Wellbeing?

I’m really looking forward to making an impact in St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider region through this campaign and the other research projects that LHW is executing. I love the energy and professionalism that Abi and Oyehmi bring and I’m excited about learning and growing with them in this new role. I believe working with LHW presents me with a great opportunity to do something worthwhile and make a positive change for the collective good, and that excites me.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

It is my lifelong goal to visit the 7 wonders of the world. I’ve got 2 down (the Colleseum in Rome and the Chichen Itza in Mexico) and 5 to go.

When you’re not working, how do you spend your time?

I spend my free time at home mostly. I enjoy listening to music and podcasts, Netflix and chill and I’m always up for spending quality time with loved ones, eating good food and having great conversation.

We are very much looking forward to working with Isalean and if you’d like to contact her about our new sugar-sweetened beverages project, you can send leave her a comment below or send her an email

By admin