Kencot SDA Expo puts healthy stewardship into practice

Stewardship at the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church extends beyond managing money and material possessions, with the congregation placing greater emphasis on caring for the body and helping residents make healthier choices.

That philosophy was evident at the church’s third annual Stewardship and Expo, held at the V.H. Percy Centre on Osbourne Road under the theme ‘Building God’s Kingdom Through Healthy Stewardship’.

The health and wellness component attracted more than 49 participants, with 24 people undergoing vascular checks. Many were older residents from Kencot and neighbouring communities, including Richmond Park, James Town, Grove Road and Central Avenue.

Health Ministries Director Fitzroy White said the turnout was significant because attendance at the expo more than doubled the number normally seen at the church’s monthly wellness clinic.

“We are pleased that the numbers present here today have more than doubled the normal numbers that usually attend the monthly wellness clinic. People are taking their health and well-being more seriously, and we are happy that we have been able to assist in this process, and will continue to do so,” White said.

The clinic offers free checks of blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and body mass index. People requiring further medical attention are also referred for follow-up with a doctor.

EARLY PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

White said the emphasis is on prevention and early intervention. “We want people to know their numbers and understand that prevention is better than waiting until a condition becomes severe. Sometimes people live with high blood pressure, high blood sugar or other conditions without knowing it. Early detection gives them an opportunity to seek medical attention and make changes,” he said.

The expo expanded that focus through vascular screenings conducted with the Diabetes Association of Jamaica, dental checks, and a seniors’ massage parlour.

The emphasis on healthy living reflects the long-standing Seventh-day Adventist approach to health, which promotes physical, mental and spiritual well-being alongside healthy eating, exercise and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol.

Scientific research has also examined the relationship between Adventist lifestyle practices and health. The Adventist Health Studies, involving tens of thousands of participants, have reported associations between lifestyle practices such as diet, physical activity and avoidance of tobacco and improved health outcomes.

Research has also found associations between vegetarian dietary patterns and lower all-cause mortality among participants, although such observational studies cannot establish that diet alone caused the differences.

The health emphasis has also been reflected in Jamaica through medical outreach, health education and training. The East Jamaica Conference has conducted medical missionary training at the V.H. Percy Centre, while the wider Adventist health network includes Andrews Memorial Hospital and other health-related initiatives.

Kencot has also maintained a strong community-service focus. Its outreach includes support for humanitarian programmes, health services, disaster relief, and youth development.

Expo Coordinator Karen Watson-Brown said that wider concept of service is central to the annual event. “The objective is to manage God’s given resources. We do not want people to just be good stewards, but also to provide a platform that provides valuable information that can improve the quality of their lives,” Watson-Brown said.

She said the response from exhibitors has grown significantly since the expo began. Healthy stewardship, therefore, is being presented as both a personal and community responsibility, one that encourages people to monitor their health, seek help early, and make informed lifestyle choices.

“At Kencot, we are caring for what God has entrusted to individuals, and this includes caring for the body, while sharing knowledge and resources that can help create healthier communities,” she said.

The event brought together 53 exhibitors, nearly twice the 27 that participated last year, offering information and services in health, education, business, the environment, consumer protection, employment and regulatory matters.

Exhibitors included the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, National Environment and Planning Agency, National Insurance Scheme, Jamaica Business Development Corporation, HEART/ NSTA Trust, Scientific Research Council, Consumer Affairs Commission, National Compliance and Regulatory Authority, and the Diabetes Association of Jamaica.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com