Brig takes a check-up

Former minister of national security Retired Brigadier General Carl Alfonso popularly known as The Brig yesterday dropped in for a check-up at the TT Defence Force’s (TTDF’s) Health Fair at Regimental Headquarters in Aranguez.

Newsday caught up with him as underwent the basic medical tests of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, conducted by nurses from the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA.) Alfonso, chief of Defence Staff from 1993 to 1999, showed his usual sense of civility and calm amiability.

Newsday asked how his tests had gone so far.

“They told me I’m looking good for my age,” the sprightly 73-year-old replied. “But I don’t know what that means,” he added, aware that the compliment may be a two-edged sword. “I’m just happy to be here. I’m seeing a lot of my old colleagues, old soldiers who have retired plus youngsters whom I had commanded.

“My son is in the regiment, and my grandson is also here. Both are named Carlton.” Pressed as to the results of his health tests, Alfonso replied, “My health, I understand, is good.”

Coast Guard commander Dr Israel Dowlat said this was the sixth time the TTDF had held the event. It sought to address lifestyle diseases that can harm a serviceman’s/servicewoman’s operational readiness. “In addition to western medicine, we (the health fair) also offer alternative medicine.”

Among the services on offer, Dowlat pointed to a rehabilitation unit that addressed skeletal and muscular injuries.

TTDF Public Affairs Officer Flight Lt Monique Sprott said the event was an educational and interactive affair involving health screening, materials and demonstrations. A spokesman for the NWRHA said the authority offered a prostrate specific antigen (PSA) test especially for men over 40, gestation and lactation management, body mass index (BMI) tests and nutrition counselling, mental health screening plus HIV tests that gave status results within 15 minutes. She said the NWRHA aims to make TT a healthier place by letting individuals know “their numbers” such as blood pressure and blood sugar.

“We enjoy coming out to help people. It is comfortable for the public as you can come within your work hours and it is free of charge. So come and take advantage of it.” She said the NWRHA does outreach events within its geographical area and these can be requested. “The turnout today has been very successful. Today we will screen up to 100 people.”

Other groups present were the Voice of Lupus, Alcoholics Anonymous, TTDF Welfare Department, several opticians and several insurance companies. The lively event saw mainly service personnel steadily stream to the desks and booths offering various services.