Beauty, health and fitness were all rolled into one as over 20 exhibitors recently participated in The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) Wellness Fair.
The Soldier Road campus was abuzz with excitement as students, staff, faculty and the general public flocked to eager participants who were armed with information, samples and ready to demonstrate their skills. Adding to the day’s activities was a live broadcast including ZNS’ radio personality Prime Time Deon.
It was an effort led by the Student Affairs Department to encourage the BTVI family and the public to make healthy choices.
On hand to welcome exhibitors and attendees was BTVI’s Manager and Consultant, Dr. Iva Dahl. “This fair addresses the whole person,” she said, “Take the time to invest in a healthy lifestyle because when you do so, you spend less time at the doctor,” she admonished the crowd.
Coordinator of Student Affairs, Racquel Bethel concurred with Dr. Dahl, adding that at BTVI, they believe in taking care of the needs of the entire man. “We provide technical education, but we also want to equip them with the necessary tools to embrace daily wellness,” said Ms. Bethel.
Meanwhile, the fair which was well attended, offered free blood pressure screening, wellness and community resource information, entertainment, demonstrations, giveaways and healthy snacks.
Gio Cooper, owner and chef of Da’ Bahamian Vegan, considered his company’s participation not only as a good opportunity to promote vegan food but the healthy lifestyle concept on the whole. “We want people to eat healthy; it doesn’t have to be a vegan lifestyle. We want people to rethink their eating habits,” said the 28-year-old.
Another exhibitor was Dr. Alvira Higgs, naturopathic specialist and founder of Healthy Lifestyle Center. She said education is key to healthy living and applauded BTVI for its efforts.
“Young people need this. They need to know from their youth and then they would go into adulthood making healthier decisions. I became a vegetarian 42 years ago. That was the last time I had animal products. I make everything from scratch, including oat burgers,” said Dr. Higgs.
Additionally, Keithera Ferguson, who completed BTVI in December 2013 noted that the information she obtained during the wellness fair was invaluable. “I had some fever grass tea. It helps to flush out toxins. Also, the nutritional information was really educational and I’m now even considering getting a cleanse,” mused the 22-year-old.
Ivan Thompson, a member of the public, expressed his enthusiasm about attending the fair. He said it fell in line with one of his goals for 2014.
“I just did my first colonoscopy therapy. I don’t want to be a statistic. I’m also drinking a gallon of water per day. I had oats for breakfast this morning and will be having barley for lunch. As you know, the health of the nation is the wealth of the nation. This year, I have made a conscious decision to practice healthy living,” he stated.
Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute
Captions:
GETTING FIT – BTVI’s Office Trades’ instructor, Maria Sands, is shown here lifting a barbell during a conversation with J-Line Fitness’ Marketing Manager and Personal Trainer, Jeremy Sawyer.
EAGER FOR INFORMATION – BTVI students flocked to the various exhibitors for information on beauty, health and fitness.
MAKING HEALTHY CHOICES – Janet Adamson listens as Chiccharney Farms’ Jenna Pratt explains the benefits of growing and eating fruits and vegetables.
ENERGY DRINK – A member of the public accepts a sample of Boost, an energy drink, from Lowe’s Wholesale’s representative, Zarnesha Rolle.
