MANAGING director of JN Life Insurance Hugh Reid is cautioning that Jamaica could face significant economic fallout if more men do not take their health seriously.

Reid, men’s health advocate, has charged that men who neglect routine check-ups and preventive care are not only a personal risk, but a national issue with far-reaching financial implications.

He linked men’s health habits to productivity losses and economic strain, and noted that one in three Jamaicans is hypertensive, one in eight has diabetes, and about a third of the population will develop a chronic illness in their lifetime.

“The most effective way to reduce health-care costs is prevention,” Reid said.

“When men with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are hospitalised, or in the worst cases die, the consequences extend beyond their families to the wider economy as many are primary breadwinners,” added Reid.

NCDs — such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol — are largely driven by lifestyle factors including poor diet, inactivity, smoking and harmful alcohol use, as well as genetics and ageing.

Figures from the Ministry of Health and Wellness show that 31 per cent of Jamaican men are hypertensive, 14 per cent are obese, and nine per cent have been diagnosed with diabetes. Although these rates are slightly lower than among women, men have a shorter life expectancy, suggesting lower engagement with preventive care.

“These illnesses not only strain the health-care system but can also wipe out life savings. Men must understand that their health choices affect not just their well-being but also the financial security of their families and the country,” Reid said.

He highlighted a long-standing trend of men delaying medical care.

Reid pointed to research from The University of the West Indies which found that 68 per cent of Jamaican men over 55 had not visited a health-care provider in the previous year. Meanwhile, about 17 per cent had been hospitalised, and only 35 per cent had received a prostate exam.

He also pointed to media reports of men hospitalised due to lifestyle-related conditions or injured in crashes linked to impaired driving, and warned that without behavioural change the outlook remains troubling.

“Over the next 15 years Jamaica could lose as much as $47 billion in workforce productivity due to NCDs, while medical costs from cardiovascular disease and diabetes alone could reach $29.8 billion,” said Reid.

“That is a burden the country cannot afford.”

REID..when men with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are hospitalised, or in the worst cases die, the consequences extend beyond their families to the wider economy

He further noted a gap in financial preparedness, with men significantly less likely to invest in life insurance or critical illness coverage.

“Women outnumber men two to one in our client base. That is concerning because when breadwinners fall ill or die, families often face severe financial hardship. Life insurance is not just a policy — it is a safety net,” Reid said.

Supporting the call for action, physician Dr Earl Brewster stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups for early detection and management of NCDs.

“Men need to adopt better health-seeking behaviours,” Dr Brewster said.

“Life expectancy for Jamaican men is 72 years, compared to 76 years for women. Risks increase significantly in a man’s 40s and again in his 60s. Simple steps like maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and doing annual check-ups can make a meaningful difference,” added Dr Brewster.

He recommends comprehensive annual assessments — including cardiovascular screening, blood sugar tests, liver and kidney function checks, thyroid testing, vitamin level assessments, and PSA testing for prostate cancer. For men over 50, Dr Brewster also advises a colonoscopy every 10 years.

“These tests are widely available and often covered by insurance. Early detection is critical, especially for those already living with conditions like hypertension or diabetes,” Dr Brewster noted.

However, he acknowledged that cultural attitudes remain a major barrier.

“There’s an old saying that when you see a man at the doctor, it’s because he’s very ill or someone brought him. We need to change that mindset. Men must take responsibility for their health — not only for themselves but for their families,” declared Dr Brewster.