A leading healthcare specialist has said 35% of deaths in the Cayman Islands could be prevented if people seriously began to manage their health.
Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, director of primary healthcare at Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, believes ‘lifestyle’ diseases can be controlled with doctor visits and care.
His comments came this week in response to the release of the Cayman Islands’ Compendium of Statistics 2022 which listed the leading causes of deaths.
A chart detailing the leading cause of death among residents by rank and sex, showed there were 278 deaths across the islands – 149 males and 129 females.
Cardiovascular disease – including heart disease and stroke – was the number one cause of death at 27% or 75 of the fatalities.
The fourth leading cause of death was diabetes, killing 23 people or 8% in 2022.
Cardiovascular disease and diabetes are both chronic non-communicable diseases, and associated deaths are largely preventable, Williams-Rodriguez said in a press release.
He suggested people alter their lifestyle habits and have consultations with doctors who are able to track and provide guidance.
Doctor visits
Williams-Rodriguez is urging the population to not just look at the impact on the individual’s health but to also consider the social and productive impact on the community.
“Healthcare on the islands has improved greatly, especially in the public healthcare system and district clinics, and persons should take advantage of the advancements and accessibility.
“Too often, the discovery of chronic diseases is made late, requiring more resources, finances, and time to remedy,” Williams-Rodriguez said.
He advises patients with chronic diseases to visit their doctor, at least every four to six months or more frequently depending on the severity of their diagnosis.
These visits are precautionary measures to help patients maintain a holistic treatment plan and for doctors to identify any deficiencies or need for enhanced care, he said.
Since April 2022, the HSA has opened new clinics for general practice, public health, and geriatric services at the Smith Road Medical Centre.
It has also opened the new urgent care clinic at Cayman Islands Hospital.
Williams-Rodriguez stressed that the choice of clinic is important.
“Urgent care clinics are there for people seeking care for specific conditions that need immediate, non-emergent treatment.
“However, the general practice clinic is where patients, especially those with chronic diseases, should be going for more in-depth care and discussions about their current and historical health status,” he said.
Appointments at the general practice clinic can be made by calling 949-8600, or requesting an appointment through the MyHSA patient portal website or app.
The urgent care clinic at the entrance of Cayman Islands Hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm and on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 11am to 8pm.
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