By: Yaremi García Maceo

Every April 7th, World Health Day is celebrated, proclaimed in 1948 by the World Assembly, in recognition of health as a universal right, for which it is emphasized that quality health care must be affordable throughout the world. This year, the World Health Organization through the campaign “Our planet, our health” invites all people, communities and governments to communicate about the measures they adopt to protect our planet and our health.

What activities of the institution promote health and improve the quality of life of the population?

The Carlos J. Finlay Birthplace proposes various activities to benefit the health of the population and their quality of life, in this sense, each month the meeting “General orientation based on the macrobiotic diet” is held, aimed at offering indications on a healthier and more appropriate eating style in the prevention of diseases, as well as its effectiveness in achieving the recovery and restoration of the organism regardless of the disease.

“Health and life” is another of the main activities, it includes the practice of Tai Chi exercises, since it is a martial art with therapeutic applications. The benefits of its constant practice are manifested in daily life, it develops the ability to be active, balances the nervous system and promotes longevity. The results are perceived above all in patients with Parkinson’s disease, some of whom come to our institution in a space directed by neurologists from the Manuel Ascunce Domenech Provincial Hospital to promote exchange with the aim of teaching patients to live with the disease.

The consultation of education to the population in the preparation, use, consumption, dose and routes of use of Medicinal Plants is interesting when updated information is offered by specialists in the field of exchange with the population promoting this alternative as an effective option and available to everyone.

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“Art therapy” is a modality that also favors health since many patients of the Mental Health Center develop skills for singing, poetry and acting, manifestations that improve their state of mental health, in addition to achieving their reintegration into society through art.

These are just some of the activities that are carried out systematically, however, a close link is maintained with institutions such as the University of Medical Sciences, Hospitals, Health Institutions and Prosalud, in order to offer our population a space that not only promotes cultural actions but also Finlay’s legacy in the field of public health, contributions that transcend today.

Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García