September is widely known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month and the Barbados Association of Endometriosis and PCOS (BAEP) has a full list of activities geared towards raising awareness about this chronic condition.
During an interview with The Barbados Advocate, Julia Mandeville, Public Health and Advocacy Manager of the organisation, revealed that last Saturday, the BAEP joined other
regional organisations – namely the Nature Isle Ladies PCOS Support Group (Dominica), St. Lucia Endometriosis, PCOS and Adenomyosis Support Group and She is Lotus (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) – to host a collaborative discussion on PCOS Self-Management. She believed this discussion was extremely fruitful and informative for those who attended and participated.
The next day, Sunday, she noted that BAEP was able to host their first annual virtual PCOS Conference entitled “PCOS Management – It Takes A Village”.
She explained that this conference sought to have medical and allied professionals engage with each other as they discussed multiple topics associated with PCOS, including diagnosis, management and improving health-related outcomes.
“The framework of this conference reflected the multidisciplinary approach to PCOS management with a wide breadth of clinicians presenting on the key aspects of this condition from diagnosis to treatment,” she said.
Mandeville was pleased to announce that on Sunday, September 20, there will be a HikeForACause246 hosted by Bajan Fusion.
She stated that this would be a fun on and off-road hike experience from Three Houses Park, St. Philip through surrounding areas and back, adding that there would be a picnic where persons will be able to learn more about the association, meet some of the women living with these conditions and hear their stories.
Additionally, the organisation has paired up with the Rotaract Club of Barbados for a Dollar Drive, which will take place every Saturday during the month.
“They will be at, Brighton’s Farmer’s Market on the 19th from 8 to 10 a.m. and Emerald City on the 26th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” she said.
“We’re thankful to them for their support. We encourage persons to follow us on social media to stay updated with our information and events. Our aim is not only to raise awareness, but also bring hope to those with PCOS. To let them know they’re not alone. We recognise that navigating the diagnosis and management of PCOS can be difficult, but we also want those diagnosed with PCOS to know that they can thrive and be successful with PCOS.”