Tufton urges motorcyclists to wear their helmets

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton is imploring motorcyclists in Westmoreland, where motorcycles are arguably the most popular mode of transportation, to always wear their helmets to prevent serious head injuries.

According to Tufton, the frequency of motorcycle accidents in the parish, which has left many young persons nursing serious injuries, is putting a strain on the parish’s public health facilities.

“Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital is full of young men who are in accident and emergency, who also fill up the male surgical ward, and the operating theatres, who are riding motorcycles and don’t have on a helmet,” said Tufton, who was addressing residents during the Westmoreland leg of the health ministry’s ‘Know Your Numbers’ Tour.

During the event, citizens were able to access several free health services, including blood pressure. dental and vision checks; sexually transmitted disease testing, and nutrition counselling. Tufton told the Jamaica Information Service that he was impressed by the number of persons who had turned out, which was critical to them being able to benefit from the services being offered.

“The purpose of this (the tour) is that people need to know their numbers so that they can preserve themselves and take action, if necessary, rather than wait until it’s too late,” said Tufton. He also explained that it is important for citizens to get the various screening exercises done so that they will have a good understanding of their health status.

The islandwide tour, which commenced last year, is designed to encourage Jamaicans to know the numbers that are vital to their health and well-being.