ECCB Encourages Healthy Practices for New Year
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is advising citizens and residents of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union to adopt healthy practices by paying close attention to their physical and mental health and maintaining good money management skills in this new year.
Cognizant that people make new year resolutions, the ECCB through its public education programme, ECCB Connects, brought together experts in the field of financial management and mental and physical health to share tips and advice on how individuals can stay on course and achieve their goals.
Senior Manager Investment Banking at the Bank of Saint Lucia, Cedrick Charles, says the important practices for good money management include: budgeting, saving, investing, and reducing debt. He advises individuals to be consistent with these practices to achieve sound financial health.
Psychiatrist, Dr Narasimham Prabhakar says mental health is a holistic approach. He advises that the best way to sustain mental health is to be happy which entails positive thinking, staying away from situations that cause stress, being compassionate and empathetic, and showing gratitude.
Health and Fitness Consultant, David Walwyn encourages people to be more active and exercise regularly. He says good health encompasses three main components - stress management, physical activity and nutrition. These three components when embraced, he says, bring numerous benefits including: improved sleep, cardiovascular functions and blood circulation.
