September is recognized as PCOS Awareness Month and originally the event was to be in September, but due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to move it to October. Nevertheless, despite the original challenges, we persisted and on Sunday the 14th of October we co-hosted an event for PCOS awareness with our regular partner, the PCOS Fairy Dust Foundation . It was fun for all who attended! We’d like to thank our sponsors, COB Credit Union for their donation to our efforts in raising awareness and providing assistance for women in Barbados who have PCOS within our capacity as a charitable organization.
As a refresher, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine (hormonal) disorder which affects women in their reproductive age (5-10%) with the majority having confirmation from the late teens into their thirties. Ethnicity nor descent have no bearing on the development of PCOS as it’s known to impact women from all backgrounds.
The cause of PCOS is still being evaluated however, genetics has been known to play a role in its development, especially if you have a close relative (from either your mother’s or father’s side) who has been diagnosed with the disorder. Diagnosis of PCOS can typically involves a doctor evaluating medical and menstrual history, taking blood tests, ultrasounds and other physical tests.
Symptoms of PCOS generally include: hirsutism, alopecia, Acanthosis nigricans, acne into adulthood, weight, cardiovascular and metabolic issues, a- or oligomenorrhea and heightened levels of androgen hormones such as testosterone.
Although the name may indicate the presence of many cysts on the ovaries, not all women with the condition may have this sign of PCOS. PCOS is also one of the top ten causes of female infertility which is treatable. Also, although there is no cure for PCOS, there are many ways to treat and manage the condition.
Treatment is to be individualized per patient but most sources state that the inclusion of regular exercise may be beneficial in the management of weight, regulation of menstrual cycles and blood glucose levels ( women with PCOS are at an increased risk for developing diabetes) for PCOS.
We want to share a message of support and understanding with those who are dealing with PCOS. We know that it is hard sometimes, thus we set out to host an event which would not only be benefical but fun! Lakesha Lorde, founder of the PCOS FDF, was also a 2018 PCOS Awareness ambassador and a strong proponent of having such an event. We’d also like to recognize our Office Assistant Ama Jones for her administrative help on the day.
The event was situated at Rascals Barbados . The restaurant has been a steadfast supporter of the BAEPs external events since inception, with both of our Annual EndoMarch events being held there in 2017 and 2018. We are extremely thankful to them for this.
The energetic exercise session was lead by Bajantics Dancercise with tunes spun by DJ Dusty! (Another great and constant supporter).
Ms Marsha Whittaker, Founder of Bajantics Dancercise stated, ” It was an easy decision for me to take part in the Event because I always like to assist with charitable organizations and I believe that it would be good, to develop a strong awareness to an illness that doesn’t appear to be well known by the wider population.”
She continued, “Bajantics Dancercise was formed so that there would be an environment for all individuals to work out and feel comfortable regardless of age or size. Our key focus is merging various dance steps with different exercises, so that you can have loads of fun. That way you’ll be distracted, so it won’t feel like just working out because you’ll be busy partying.
We’re going five (5) years in January 2019 and we intend to be around for a very long time, so that persons can continue to have fun, whilst working out.”
We’re extremely grateful to Marsha and her team who came out and lead the awesome session! If you want to know more about Bajantics Dancercise you can check them out on instagram, facebook or Call/Whatsapp- 841-3008.
We would like to thank ALL of our supporters and look forward to seeing you at our events in 2019!