WRHA stages successful men’s health day fair in Westmoreland
ST JAMES, Jamaica – Male healthcare workers from across Westmoreland turned out to participate in a Men’s Health Day fair organised by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA).
Held at the Savanna-la-Mar Health Centre and Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital on June 30 under the theme ‘Big Man Time,’ the event was aimed at bolstering awareness of men’s health.
More than 40 men from various segments of the public health sector engaged in discussions and activities geared towards promoting good health in an atmosphere of camaraderie and support.
The men had the opportunity to undergo a range of screenings to assess their overall health and identify potential risk factors.
Among the tests conducted were blood pressure, cholesterol and eye checks, prostate test, and body mass index (BMI) measurements.
The men also participated in interactive workshops and expert consultations tailored to address their specific health concerns.
They were engaged in talks by female healthcare workers on topics such as cardiovascular health, prostate cancer awareness, mental health, and stress management.
Regional Health and Education Promotion Officer at the WRHA, Marceleen Wheatle, who led the initiative, stated that the fair served as a platform for male public health workers to prioritise their own well-being, as they play an essential role in safeguarding the health of the community.
Wheatle expressed satisfaction with the turnout for the event, noting that it was a good way to culminate Men’s Health Month, which is celebrated in June.
“The uptake was good. It is more of an individualised approach where they can sit and have conversations about their health and make positive decisions,” she noted.
With men statistically being less likely to seek medical assistance and engage in healthy behaviours, Wheatle said the event was intended to help foster an environment where men can feel encouraged and empowered to prioritise their well-being.
“Females are better at seeking healthcare; we are better at going to get our annual checkup. The data would have shown that our men only access care when they have to; when they are sick,” she pointed out.
“We want them to know that they don’t have to wait until they are sick for health maintenance. Even if it is on an annual basis, we want them to develop this attitude of accessing healthcare. I think that is the main thrust behind us pulling out males today,” Wheatle added.
Parish Health Promotion and Education Officer at the Westmoreland Health Department, Gerald Miller, who was among the first set of men to take advantage of the health fair, lauded the initiative.
“The service was good. I enjoyed the foot care. I enjoyed the service that the eyecare professionals were providing. It was a good day and the men came out. It speaks well for the Ministry of Health and Wellness to designate this day as Men’s Health Day for the team members here at the Westmoreland Health Department,” he said.
He noted that it was heartening to see the enthusiasm of the male healthcare workers in embracing the event and taking a proactive stance towards their health.
“Some men have that attitude of not taking their health so seriously, but today it was encouraging to see the men coming out,” Miller added.
Environmental Community Health Aide, Richardo Dyer, said he was eager to attend the health fair and benefit from the services provided.
He said he is cognisant that regular health checks and screening can significantly reduce the risks associated with many health conditions.
“Men on a whole are afraid of checking on their health, but for me, I find it very critical and important… because a healthy lifestyle is a healthy man,” he noted.
The WRHA has expressed its commitment to making the Men’s Health Day fair an annual event, reinforcing their dedication to improving men’s health outcomes.
– JIS