Bermuda Health-Abets

Health Promotion & Wellness Office, Dept. of Health Bermuda

This is a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living. With a mission of empowering, informing and motivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guests will be experts, community partners and residents with lived experience who focus on, work with or live with all aspects of health, including social determinants of health. 

  1. 6D AGO

    Understanding Youth Mental Health and Safe Space: “This is My Space”

    Send a text Dear Listeners, Children's Mental Health Week was observed February 9–15. This observance emphasizes the importance of improving children's' mental wellbeing by ensuring that they feel safe and included. It focuses on the empowerment of young people by fostering a sense of belonging in community spaces. This year's theme is "This is My Place" which was initiated by an organization called Place2Be. Place2Be emphasizes that belonging plays a vital role in our mental health and wellbeing and knowing where we belong and feeling a part of our environment is a basic human need. Place2Be indicates that ultimately belonging can have a powerful and long-lasting impact on many aspects of life including mental and physical health. We know that health is not merely the absence of disease but encompasses physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. To this end, it is important that we remember to look at all part of health that contribute to the wellbeing of individual in our society, including children. Bermuda, we have the unique opportunity to use this observance to evaluate whether we are creating safe and inclusive spaces for the youth of Bermuda. We have the unique opportunity to listen to the youth around us and meet them where their needs are. Just as you want to belong, so do our youth.  This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed Understanding Youth Mental Health and Safe Space: “This is My Space”. #EmpoweringInformingandMotivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guest this episode is Jah-nai Smith, Educational Therapy, Department of Education. During this episode Mr. Smith talks from a lived experience an professional perspective. He talks about what feeling safe meant to him as a child, when and where he felt safe to share emotions, the places he felt safe in, the role that friends and peer played in having a sense of safety, how cultural and family expectations influenced how safe he felt to talk about his mental health, what he would advise adults working with children today to do to create emotional safe environments, and more. As you tune into this deeply personal but also informative episode, think about what made you feel mentally and emotionally safe or unsafe in environments and how this can inform what you do with children and youth around you.  If you have a question you need answered or a topic you would like to hear on Bermuda Health-Abets email healthpromotion@gov.bm. To listen to upcoming segments of Bermuda Health-Abets you can find us here on Facebook , on our YouTube Chanel @DepartmentofHealthBermuda Like and subscribe to the page, on Apple Podcast, or Spotify Podcast. Empowering, Informing and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well

    33 min
  2. FEB 16

    Let’s Talk Teen Dating Violence awareness and prevention

    Send a text Dear Listeners, February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The aim of this observance is to highlight that intimate partner abuse occurs with youth and that awareness and education can help to prevent and address it. According to Youth.gov teen dating violence can be physical or emotional. Physical abuse or violence consist of pinching, hitting, shoving, or kicking, while emotional violence or abuse consist of threatening a partner or harming his or her sense of self-worth (youth.gov). Emotional abuse can include acts such as controlling behaviour, shaming, bullying (online, texting, and in person), intentionally embarrassing, etc. (Youth.gov). Bermuda, it is important to pay attention to our youth and their needs. Intimate partner violence is not isolated to adult relationships. It is our duty as a community to create an environment where we can provide our youth with the tools to learn and grow well. To this end education and awareness is key.  This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed Let’s Talk Teen Dating Violence awareness and prevention. #EmpoweringInformingandMotivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guests this episode are Courtney Simmons Sergeant at Vulnerable Person Unit (VPU) Crime Division, BPS; Kayla Simmons Domestic Abuse Liaison at Child and Family Services, and Center Against Abuse; and Kenton Trott Detective Inspector Vulnerable Person Unit (VPU) Crime Division, BPS. During this episode our guests talk about what defines teen dating violence, safe relationships/safe dating, the importance of early awareness, red flags or signs for teens and adults around them should watch out for, the role of social media and technology plays in teen dating violence, myths about teen dating violence, skills and values to to help teens build healthy respectful relationships, and more. This eye opening episode reminds us that intimate partner violence doesn't only occur in adult relations, but there are skills and values that we can teach our young people to help prevent teen dating violence. Bermuda, awareness is key. If you have a question you need answered or a topic you would like to hear on Bermuda Health-Abets email healthpromotion@gov.bm. To listen to upcoming segments of Bermuda Health-Abets you can find us here on Facebook , on our YouTube Chanel @DepartmentofHealthBermuda Like and subscribe to the page, on Apple Podcast, or Spotify Podcast. Thank you for listening! Empowering, Informing and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well

    36 min
  3. FEB 11

    A Smile That Saves Lives: The Surprising Link Between Oral and Heart Health

    Send a text Dear Listeners,   February is Heart month and Oral Health Month. Many of us may not know that there is a close connection between oral health and heart health. According to the British Heart Foundation often times when we refer to bacteria we think about bacteria and gut health but recent discourse suggest that there is just as much bacteria in our mouths as there is in our guts. The British Heart Foundation  emphasizes that some bacteria is normal but the type of bacteria in our mouths is what makes a difference and can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues. Discourse indicates that oral health issue can ultimately lead to heart related health  issues (British Heart Foundation, 2023). This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets tells us more about the connection between Oral Health and Heart Health.   This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed A Smile That Saves Lives: The Surprising Link Between Oral and Heart Health. #EmpoweringInformingandMotivating Bermuda residents to live well.   Our guests this episode are Dr. Joy Pickstock, Chief Dental Officer from Department of Health and Dr. Naail Uthman, Senior Medical Officer from Department of Health. During this episode Dr. Pickstock and Dr. Uthman talk about the importance of oral health and the impact of poor oral health on heart health. During this episode they talk about the how gum disease can lead to chronic disease, how poor oral health can lead to comorbidities, those at increased risk for heart disease as a result of poor oral health, preventive measures that help to reduce risks, and more. As you tune into this riveting, extremely informative episode, consider the small things you can do daily to reduce the risk of poor oral health leading to heart disease.    If you have a question you need answered or a topic you would like to hear on Bermuda Health-Abets email healthpromotion@gov.bm. To listen to upcoming segments of Bermuda Health-Abets you can find us on Facebook , on our YouTube Chanel @DepartmentofHealthBermuda Like and subscribe to the page, on Apple Podcast, or Spotify Podcast.    Thank you for listening! Empowering, Informing and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well

    56 min
  4. 12/16/2025

    Little Chefs, Big Ideas: Making Meals Fun Together

    Send a text Dear Listeners, It's that time of year where the children get out of school for holiday break and the hustle and bustle of the season amps up. As we navigate the hustle and bustle, creating quick easy healthy meals for our children can become taxing. In addition, some of us get so caught up in getting ready for the holiday that we forget that this time is also for our children to enjoy time off, family time, and all around good holiday fun. However, we can come up with routines and activities that help us bring food, children and family connection all together. This could be simply developing family routines that include the whole family in grocery planning and shopping, meal time preparation, ways to eat healthy, activities that you can do during meal time and more. Bermuda, this holiday season think about how your family may benefit from "Making Meals Fun Together". This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed Little Chefs, Big Ideas: Making Meals Fun Together.  #EmpoweringInformingandMotivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guests this episode are Janice Mullings-George, RN co-founder of My Bermuda Reset and a mom, Seraiah George, and Naomi George. During this robust discussion Janice talks about what inspired her to start doing "build - your - own" meals with Seraiah and Naomi. Seraiah and Naomi share their favorite things to help make for meals, the most fun meals they've ever made, food they didn't like before but learned to enjoy, and more. Janice also shares tips with parents on preparing food for children with allergies, strategies that make DIY meals easier, ways to prevent wastage, how meal time has brought her family closer, and more. As you tune into this episode think about what tips may be useful to you or those around you, think about how you can make meal time fun and enjoyable for your loved ones. If you have a question you need answered or a topic you would like to hear on Bermuda Health-Abets email healthpromotion@gov.bm. To listen to upcoming segments of Bermuda Health-Abets you can find us on Facebook , on our YouTube Chanel @DepartmentofHealthBermuda Like and subscribe to the page, on Apple Podcast, or Spotify Podcast. Thank you for listening! Empowering, Informing and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well

    1h 12m
  5. 12/09/2025

    Holiday Hacks: Family Fun & Well-Being During Holiday Breaks

    Send a text Dear Listeners, The holiday season is here! For some of us this is a time of Christmas fun; for some this may be a time of grief and for others this may not be a holiday they celebrate. During this time many of us are on break from work and the children are out of school. One thing's for sure, many of us tend to use this time to come together with our families whether they be biological, extended or chosen family. Many of us enjoy lots of food, fun games, connection and comradery but for some these gatherings can be stressful, triggering, cause anxiety, or bring back bad memories. It is important to remember that we are all different and though we may all crave connection and belonging through family our mental capacity and needs may vary. Bermuda, as you step into this holiday season consider how you can promote family connection in a positive way, consider your own mental health needs, and remember that we're all different and have different needs.  This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed Holiday Hacks: Family Fun & Well-Being During Holiday Breaks.  #EmpoweringInformingandMotivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guests this episode are Dr. Shawnee Basden, Manager of Adult Service and Consultant Psychologist from Solstice and Hailey Barnett, Applied Psychology Assistant, From Solstice. During this episode Dr. Basden and Hailey talk about family fun during the holidays, the importance of family connection, the importance of remembering the purpose of coming together, recognizing that things do not have to be perfect during the holidays, activities that families can do during the holiday season, how we can understand and ensure consideration of diverse mental health needs during the holidays, the importance of understanding that the holiday season is not always celebratory for everyone, the importance of understanding that not every one celebrates the same holidays, tips on navigating family conflict during gatherings, and more. As you tune into this captivating and enlightening discussion think about how you can use some of the tips shared this holiday season.  If you have a question you need answered or a topic you would like to hear on Bermuda Health-Abets email healthpromotion@gov.bm. To listen to upcoming segments of Bermuda Health-Abets you can find us on Facebook , on our YouTube Chanel @DepartmentofHealthBermuda Like and subscribe to the page, on Apple Podcast, or Spotify Podcast. Thank you for listening! Empowering, Informing and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well

    53 min
  6. 12/03/2025

    Understanding HIV & AIDS: The Importance of Youth Education and Awareness in Bermuda

    Send a text Dear Listeners, Annually on December 1st we commemorate World Aids Day. This years theme is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response (UNAIDS, 2025)." This theme highlights the impact that funding cuts have had on the response to AIDS and the importance of overcoming the disruption this may cause (UNAIDS, 2025). World AIDS day also serves as an opportunity to remind us that education, using protective measures, screening and early detection can prevent the spread and contribute to better quality of life for those living with HIV. It reminds us that HIV does not have to lead to AIDS. This year reminds us that funding and resources lead to AIDS response that can save lives.  This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed Understanding HIV & AIDS: The Importance of Youth Education and Awareness in Bermuda. #EmpoweringInformingandMotivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guests this episode are Janice Sealy-Khan, Public Health Nurse from the Sexual and Reproductive Health Program (Department of Health); and Jennifer Wilson, Nurse Epidemiologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (Ministry of Health). During this episode Jennifer and Janice define HIV & AIDS, treatment and resources available now vs. the beginning of the AID epidemic, how HIV is spread, how to prevent the spread, the importance of screening and early detection, the importance of youth education and prevention, and more. Bermuda, as you tune into this episode remember prevention is key. Remember that although we don't see the incidence of HIV and AIDS increase the way we saw it during the AIDS pandemic, it still exist and it's still important to get tested.  If you have a question you need answered or a topic you would like to hear on Bermuda Health-Abets email healthpromotion@gov.bm. To listen to upcoming segments of Bermuda Health-Abets you can find us here on Facebook , on our YouTube Chanel @DepartmentofHealthBermuda Like and subscribe to the page, on Apple Podcast, or Spotify Podcast. Thank you for listening! Empowering, Informing and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well

    1h 1m
  7. 11/25/2025

    Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Future: Understanding Gestational Diabetes

    Send a text Dear Listeners, November is diabetes awareness month. This is a time to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support those affected by the condition. There are several types of diabetes including Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, etc. Todays focus is gestational diabetes. The NHS characterizes gestational diabetes as the onset of high blood sugar during pregnancy which occurs as a result of the body's inability to produce enough insulin. It typically occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy and can lead to problems for mom and baby (NHS, 2022). Gestational diabetes usually goes away after mom gives birth but it can lead to longer term implications for mom like type 2 diabetes (NHS, 2022). Bermuda, knowledge is power and early detection means early intervention. This information is not just important for women who plan to have babies, and expecting moms, it is important for us all to know. It is helpful so that we can support those around us from family to friends and neighbors.   This episode of Bermuda Health-Abets, a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living, is dubbed Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Future: Understanding Gestational Diabetes. #EmpoweringInformingandMotivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guest this episode is Sarah Bosch De Noya, Registered Dietitian and Diabetes Educator at Bermuda Diabetes Association. During this highly informative discussion Sarah defines gestational diabetes, talks about screening and testing, community resources for managing it, risk factors, treatment, recovery after birth, and the need for family and community support on this issue. Often times we talk about type 1 and type 2 diabetes but this episode offers the unique opportunity to learn how diabetes can impact expectant mothers, which in turn can impact delivery and those supporting mom through this process.  If you have a question you need answered or a topic you would like to hear on Bermuda Health-Abets email healthpromotion@gov.bm. To listen to upcoming segments of Bermuda Health-Abets you can find us here on Facebook , on our YouTube Chanel @DepartmentofHealthBermuda Like and subscribe to the page, on Apple Podcast, or Spotify Podcast. Thank you for listening! Empowering, Informing and Motivating Bermuda Residents to Live Well

    47 min

About

This is a podcast where we discuss everything from A to Z on healthy living. With a mission of empowering, informing and motivating Bermuda residents to live well. Our guests will be experts, community partners and residents with lived experience who focus on, work with or live with all aspects of health, including social determinants of health.