“The STEPS to a Well Bermuda survey is crucial for us to better understand and improve the health of our community, and we need those who have been selected to participate to please do so,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson. “In partnership with the Pan American Health Organization, this survey will give us a clearer picture of our population’s overall health and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

“By participating, you’re helping to build a solid foundation for addressing key health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, and shaping our approach to prevention and care.

“The cooperation of all in the community is essential to ensure that this vital health information is captured. All of the information is kept confidential, and participation involves three steps, all of which can be done in the participant’s home, and provides a free health screening for those selected.”

The steps are as follows:

STEP 1: Health Questionnaire: Interviewers will gather information through a standardized questionnaire about health-related behaviors, including diet and physical activity.

STEP 2: Physical Measurements: Your blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference will be measured.

STEP 3: Biochemical Assessment: At a convenient time, a community health professional will take a finger stick blood sample to measure fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Upon completing steps 2 and 3, participants will receive their results, which they can use personally or share with their healthcare provider. All information is kept confidential and anonymized.

Dr. Annabel Fountain, a Bermudian physician who specialises in Diabetes, Endocrinology and Internal Medicine says, “Without data, we are unable to understand the impact of interventions to improve the health of our community. Since the first STEPS survey was completed in 2014, the Government of Bermuda introduced the Sugar Tax.  We hope that this, along with other initiatives such as the Healthy Schools programme, and the Bermuda Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Reversal and Diabetes Prevention programmes, will have contributed to reduced rates of obesity and diabetes in our population.  

“The only way to know is to do these population health surveys regularly.  Residents selected to participate in the STEPS Survey will contribute to our knowledge. The results will be used to shape future healthcare policies aimed at improving Bermuda's overall health and well-being.  Please do not miss the opportunity to benefit not only yourself but the entire community. Thank you in advance for your service.”

The aim of the STEPS to a Well Bermuda survey is to assess the health status of the population. It is therefore important for us to survey both individuals that are considered healthy as well as unhealthy. Taking part in the survey is voluntary but it is very important to make sure that the results truly represent the residents of Bermuda. For the survey, only one adult in each selected household will be asked to answer the questions but if a household is chosen and does not participate, it cannot be replaced.

“I encourage everyone to participate in the STEPS survey. It’s a unique chance to gather valuable information that directly shapes how we approach diabetes care and other non-communicable diseases in Bermuda,” said Lori Rockhead, Executive Director of the Bermuda Diabetes Association.

“Every response provides vital information that contributes to social policies and health services for everyone.  It’s important that the voices of people living with diabetes are heard and understood in a way, which can lead to better health for all.”

For more information about the STEPS Survey, visit: https://www.gov.bm/steps-bermuda, call 278-4900 or email steps@gov.bm.

About Dr. Annabel Fountain

Dr. Annabel Fountain is a Bermudian physician who completed her specialist training in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Internal Medicine in 2010 at the prestigious Imperial Centre for Endocrinology in London. She returned to Bermuda shortly after and worked for the Bermuda Hospitals Board where she was the Director of Endocrinology until October 2017.  Fountain Health opened its doors on November 6th, 2017.

Dr. Fountain specializes in inpatients and outpatients living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and has experience in the use of a wide variety of treatments for Type 2 diabetes. She is an expert in the use of newer pharmacological agents and technologies for management of this disorder. Lifestyle management and treatments for overweight persons are a key part of her recommendations. Dr. Fountain is particularly interested in the treatment of diabetic foot disease, diabetes in pregnancy and the use of medications to ameliorate progression of nephropathy (diabetic kidney disease) and retinopathy (diabetic eye disease).  https://www.fountainhealthbermuda.com/dr-annabel-fountain

About the Bermuda Diabetes Foundation

The Bermuda Diabetes Association was formed in 1978 by two nurses, Joanne Dean Armstrong and Debbie Hollis Jones. The Association was initially called the Bermuda Diabetic Association. It became a registered charity in 1979. Initially the Association was under the umbrella of the TB Cancer and Health Association who had been offering free blood glucose testing to the public. In addition, the TB Cancer and Health Association operated a pharmacy for people with diabetes providing affordable medicines. The TB Cancer and Health Association gave the Bermuda Diabetic Association an annual grant of $3000.00.

Lori Rockhead

Prior to joining the Bermuda Diabetes Foundation, Lori led the Government, Infrastructure and Healthcare practice for the KPMG Islands Group (comprised of 14 island jurisdictions).  Lori has over 30 years of experience in public policy, infrastructure finance and consulting with a track record of leading complex and transformative projects to successful completion.

https://www.diabetes.bm/