The Cayman Islands’ celebration of the International Year of Statistics on Thursday, 24 October 2013, will feature a unique, interactive exhibition that shows how statistics affect daily life in the Cayman Islands.

The Economics and Statistics Office (ESO), jointly with the recently formed National Statistical Coordination Committee (NSCC), are leading the celebrations. These will take place at the University College of the Cayman Islands’ (UCCI’s) auditorium from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Organisers developed the event around the theme: “KyStats 4 Everyday Life: Let us Educate and Appreciate”.

Ten government entities have planned information displays that will include interactive activities and games to highlight the importance of statistics.

Among these is the Health Services Authority (HSA). Commenting on what the public can expect from the HSA display, Fair Coordinator Shanna Saunders-Best points to the value of health statistics.

”Did you know that hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease affecting all in the Cayman Islands? Yet even if you knew, how can statistics help you? Well, they provide tools for the spectrum of health care decision makers – the government, hospitals, doctors, and more importantly,you and your family- to work towards the improvement of well-being in this country,” Ms Saunders-Best explains.

As an example she cites results from the Health Risk Factor Survey 2012 which indicate that 15.8% of the population aged 25-64 years had raised blood pressure (hypertension) but were not currently on medication.

This rate is even higher among males at 18.8% compared to females at 12.7%. “If persons with elevated blood pressure are not on medication or being monitored, this could impact the health system severely when complications arise,” she adds.

To learn more information about this disease she urges the public to visit the fair.

HSA Director of Corporate Services Andria Dilbert agrees: “Visitors to the booth will learn more about their individual health. Moreover, they will also have the opportunity to understand how health impacts peoples’ lives, and what the country can do to work for their betterment”.

Ms Dilbert continues, “Each participant will also have the opportunity to learn about different methods of intervention that aim to encourage us to lead a healthier and more wholesome lifestyle.”

Equally stimulating booths are promised by other participants, which include: Economics and Statistics Office; the Departments of Children and Family Services, Education, Environment, Environmental Health, Immigration, Planning, and Lands and Survey; as well as the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.