MHES Joins Regional 'In a Sneakers' Movement Campaign

The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES) is joining the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) “In a Sneakers” campaign, encouraging businesses and residents across the Cayman Islands to make movement a greater part of their daily routines.

Running from 14-18 September, the regional campaign carries the message “Move More. Sit Less. Get In Sneakers.” It promotes simple ways to be more active, including walking at lunchtime, taking the stairs and taking regular movement breaks.

The campaign supports the Ministry’s ongoing focus on increasing physical activity through its STEP into Wellness programme. Results from the Cayman Islands STEPS 2023 National Health Survey show that about 20% of adults are not getting the recommended amount of physical activity, with 27% of women and 13% of men falling below the recommended level. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults aged 18 to 69.

Acting Chief Officer in the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability, Mrs Bobeth O’Garro, said workplaces can play a role in making movement easier to incorporate into the day.

“Many of us spend a significant part of our working day sitting at a desk or in meetings. Being more active does not necessarily require a gym or a formal exercise programme. It can be as simple as getting up, walking with colleagues or choosing to move when we have the opportunity. We encourage workplaces across Cayman to use this week as a prompt to find simple ways to get their teams moving.”

On Thursday 17 September, Ministry staff will put that message into practice with a team walk at the newly opened Central Scranton Park in George Town. The park officially opened on 1 August and provides a new public space in the heart of George Town for recreation, physical activity and community use.

Chief Nursing Officer Ms Felicia McLean said the Ministry’s walk is a practical example of how movement can be incorporated into the working day.

“Regular physical activity is important for our physical and mental wellbeing and can help prevent and manage non-communicable diseases. The important thing is to find ways to move that work for you and that can become part of your routine.

“On Thursday, our team will take advantage of the new Central Scranton Park and get out of the office for a walk together. Having accessible public spaces like this gives us more opportunities to make movement part of everyday life, and I invite our colleagues from other Ministries based at the Government Administration Building to put on their sneakers and join us.”

The Ministry is encouraging employers and the public across the Cayman Islands to use the week as an opportunity to spend less time sitting and find simple ways to move throughout the day.

For more information about CARPHA’s “In a Sneakers” campaign and campaign resources, visit www.carpha.org/More/Health-Days/CWD/CWD-2026/In-A-Sneakers-Campaign.