On 27 January 2026, the Department of Behavioural Health Services conducted stakeholder engagement visits across the Twin Islands as part of its continued efforts to strengthen collaboration, improve referral pathways, and promote equitable access to specialised mental health and substance use services.   DBHS Team The visits included Mrs. Kacy Higgs, Substance Abuse Counsellor stationed on the Twin Islands, Ms. Tiara McTaire, Mental Health Education Specialist, Dr. Jadetra I

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospitals are proud to announce the official launch of the Heart Strong TCI Initiative during the month of February 2026, in observance of Heart Month.   Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospital. Under the theme “Strong Hearts, Strong Islands,” the Heart Strong TCI Initiative is a comprehensive, community-centered public health campaign designed to raise awareness of heart disease, strengthen health literacy, promote prevention and effectiv

Dear Editor,   Several weeks ago, an article by Sabrina Greene resonated deeply with many indigenous Turks and Caicos Islanders. In it, she highlighted an uncomfortable truth: locals are increasingly marginalized, while those in positions of power place greater value on the opinions of outsiders—individuals who often lack a true understanding of the social, cultural, and economic realities of these islands.   This is not a partisan issue. I have experienced it under both PDM

Why slowing down helps your hormones, mood, and energy Many women push through their days with long lists and constant pressure. The body interprets this as stress which raises cortisol and affects everything from sleep to mood to digestion. Doing less is not laziness. It is regulation.   Your system needs recovery just as much as productivity. Pausing during the day helps your body return to safety. It gives your mind clarity and prevents decision fatigue. Rest is not option

Understanding mid afternoon exhaustion   If your energy dips hard in the afternoon, you are not alone. These crashes often reflect blood sugar swings, poor meal composition, or mineral imbalance. The good news is that they are highly fixable with gentle adjustments.   A light breakfast or skipping meals leads to a mid day drop. High carb lunches without protein cause similar effects. Dehydration is another common factor. When your minerals are low, energy production becomes h

How Easing into Your Day Regulates Your Hormones, Even When You’re Rushed   Rushing first thing in the morning sets a stressed tone for the entire day. Your stress hormone, cortisol, naturally rises upon waking. If you immediately grab your phone or sprint into tasks, you hyper-activate your nervous system. You end up feeling frazzled and mentally exhausted before the day has even properly begun.   You don't need a two-hour routine. You just need to interrupt the rush. Slow m

Understanding caffeine sensitivity and nervous system load   Holistic Health Coach, Turks and Caicos Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you often feel anxious, shaky, or overwhelmed after coffee, it may be a sign that your nervous system is more sensitive than you realise.   This is not a flaw. It is simply how your body processes stimulation, and paying attention to it can help you enjoy coffee without draining your energy or increasing stress.   Caffeine increases co

With January 17, 2026, fast approaching, excitement is reaching a fever pitch ahead of the Run of Nations 2026, which is shaping up to be one of the most vibrant and anticipated sporting events on this year’s calendar.   Members of the Road Dogs Running Club, which is organising the event More than 140 runners have already registered, and organizers say interest continues to surge as race day draws nearer. From competitive athletes and recreational joggers to walkers and firs

Why your gut needs a calmer pace Holistic Health Coach, Turks and Caicos Digestion relies heavily on your nervous system. When you feel stressed, rushed, or distracted, your body moves into survival mode. Blood is diverted away from your digestive organs, enzyme production decreases, and your gut slows down. This can lead to bloating, reflux, cramping, and general discomfort.   Many digestive issues are not solely about what you eat, but how you eat. Eating in a calm environm

How constant switching drains your energy   Multitasking is often celebrated as a mark of efficiency, but it can quietly work against your wellbeing. Your brain is not designed to hold several cognitive tasks at once. Instead, it rapidly switches between them, which increases mental load, reduces accuracy, and leaves you feeling drained rather than accomplished.   Constant switching keeps your nervous system in a heightened state. Cortisol rises, your thoughts feel scattered,

What this common sleep pattern really means Waking up around 3AM is one of the most common sleep complaints. While it can feel frustrating, it is rarely random. Often, it signals an underlying imbalance rather than a failing on your part. Understanding the cause helps you address it gently and restore deeper rest. The most frequent reason is a blood sugar drop. If your dinner is too light, lacks protein, or is high in refined carbs, your glucose can dip in the night. This tri

How sodium, potassium, and magnesium support your whole body Holistic Health Coach, Turks and Caicos Minerals are often overlooked, yet they influence nearly every system in your body. Your energy levels, mood, sleep quality, digestion, and even your stress response all depend on having the right mineral balance. When your mineral stores run low, your body shows it. Fatigue creeps in, cravings spike, anxiety rises, and staying asleep can feel impossible.   Modern diets and hi

Why they happen and how to support your body   Evening cravings are rarely about willpower. They are signals. Often, they reflect imbalanced blood sugar, unmet energy needs, or unmanaged stress during the day.   When you understand the root cause, you can respond with support rather than guilt.  If you restrict through the day or eat too little protein, your blood sugar dips at night. This can trigger cravings for quick energy. Stress can push your cortisol higher in the even

Caribbean Health Medical Services is excited to announce the grand opening of its new primary care clinic, which officially opened on December 1, 2025, at the Old Business Solutions Building, next to Napa on Leeward Highway, Providenciales.   David Bernardo Under the leadership of long-time TCI physician Dr. David Bernardo, who has served the community for over 18 years, the clinic provides accessible, reliable, and patient-centered healthcare to individuals, families, and em

Tiny, consistent daily choices that help your body feel safe Your nervous system is always scanning for safety, and what you do repeatedly becomes your body’s reference point. When your routines shift constantly, your system works harder to stay regulated. For the busy professional, consistency doesn't mean rigidity; it means creating reliable anchors that offer grounding and calm.   Small, steady signals help lower cortisol and support digestion and emotional regulation. Whe

Why under-eating may be behind your symptoms even if you're “eating clean”   In the wellness space, we’re often told to eat “cleaner,” cut carbs, or fast longer. But many women I work with aren’t struggling because they’re overeating… they’re under-eating. And sometimes, without even realising it. Trying to eat healthy often turns into: Skipping meals or eating very little during the day Cutting carbs or fats Fasting too long, especially under stress Prioritising salads or sm

Staying true to the high quality of service it is known to provide, Sandals Foundation, Beaches Turks and Caicos and Great Shape! Inc, have served over 3,000 Turks and Caicos Islanders with state of the art free dental care in its recently concluded clinics - 1000 Smiles.   From October 20 to November 1, a dental volunteer mission team of 140 practicing professionals provided cleaning, filling, extractions, root canals, sealants and oral health education to residents of Provi

The Turks and Caicos Islands Primary Health Care Department recently conducted a three-day training workshop on the use of VPD-SMART from 3 - 5 November 2025.  The training was conducted by Claudia Ortiz and Felipe Aguilera Millacura, consultants from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in Washington DC and Chile.   VPD-SMART is built on district health information system (DHIS2) which is an open-source software developed and implemented by the health information syst

Supporting natural energy without relying on your coffee fix   Caffeine gives you a quick burst, but it often comes with a crash. If you're relying on coffee or energy drinks just to feel functional, it may be time to explore why your energy is dipping in the first place.   Fatigue is not just a normal part of adulting. It's your body's way of asking for support. And while coffee is a common go-to, it doesn’t address the root of the issue… it just masks the symptoms.   Why Yo

Decode what your body is asking for… without guilt or shame.   Cravings aren’t just about willpower. They’re your body’s way of...