Dominicans are being urged to make their health and well-being a priority throughout the year, and especially during the upcoming festive independence season, by the President of the National Nurses Council, Nurse Priscilla Prevost.
Nurse Prevost, a Family Nurse Practitioner, made the appeal in an interview, reminding residents that the celebrations that mark the island's independence period should not come at the expense of their health. The festive season, she noted, is a time of heightened activity, rich food, and late nights, all of which can place added strain on the body if not managed carefully.
The National Nurses Council represents the interests of nurses across the Commonwealth of Dominica and has long been a voice for public health education. Nurse Prevost's message carries particular weight as the country prepares for a period of national celebration that typically brings together families, communities, and the diaspora for weeks of cultural and official events.
Her advice comes as health officials across the region continue to stress the importance of preventive care, balanced diets, and adequate rest, particularly among persons living with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. These conditions are common in Dominica and can be aggravated by the dietary and lifestyle changes that often accompany festive periods.
Nurse Prevost's call is a reminder that the independence season, while a time for joy and national pride, is also an opportunity for Dominicans to look after themselves and one another. She encouraged residents to remain mindful of their eating habits, to stay hydrated, to get sufficient sleep, and to seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell.
The message aligns with the broader work of the National Nurses Council in promoting health literacy and supporting the nursing profession in Dominica. Nurses remain on the front line of the country's health system, serving communities from Roseau to Portsmouth and across the rural parishes, and their guidance is often the first point of contact for many families.
As the festive season approaches, Nurse Prevost's appeal serves as a timely public-service reminder: celebration and good health can go hand in hand when residents take simple, sensible steps to protect their well-being. Dominicans at home and in the diaspora are encouraged to keep health at the centre of their plans throughout the season and beyond.
