Jamaican men urged to keep healthy for their families
JAMAICAN men are again being urged to take care of their health which is usually not at the top of the things to-do list for men, while for most it is not on their list at all.
“For many men illness only happens to persons they know, never to them,” argued fitness instructor Shani McGraham-Shirley who wants to help men to make their health a top priority so they can take care of their families.
“Many men put their families and responsibilities first. Never seeing themselves as an investment, always on the back burner; school fees must be paid, rent or mortgage due, utilities, and loans,” she pointed out.
According to McGraham-Shirley, while this is commendable men should not ignore taking care of themselves.
“The ailments that cause the most deaths and illnesses in men are either preventable or treatable. Unfortunately, men are usually less willing than women to visit doctors for check-ups or preventative care, to seek treatment during the early stages of an ailment or to seek mental health advice,” the fitness instructor stated.
McGraham-Shirley’s concern about men’s health-seeking behaviour is shared by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton who noted that culturally Jamaican men are expected to be tough and strong.
“Sometimes we assume that because we are supposed to provide overall leadership and protection, then we must not have any vulnerabilities and we must not show any weakness,” said Tufton .
“When we look at the sick profile of our men; if we took the time to go to the health centre or to the doctor and have them examine us when we feel strong, we would have been able to see signs of sickness and be able to correct it before it is too late,” added Tufton.
He has added his voice to those encouraging men to take responsibility for their health and become physically active to defeat the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Tufton noted that in Jamaica, physical inactivity accounts for 12 per cent all-cause mortality, contributing to 13 per cent of breast cancer, 14 per cent of colon cancer, eight per cent of coronary heart disease and 10 per cent of type 2 diabetes.
He pointed out that physical activity has several benefits which includes strengthening heart and lungs; increasing energy levels; building stronger bones and muscles, burning fat, and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
“The sad part about men developing these diseases, is the fact that most, if not all can be avoided, simply by the choices they make. Men can take control of their health by eating a healthy diet, making simple lifestyle adjustments and visiting the doctor regularly,” said McGraham-Shirley, who operates Yahsuh Fitbox in St Andrew.
She noted that men do not have to make drastic changes to improve their overall well-being and declared that the best tip to consider on the journey to improving health is the art of showing up.
“Show up for yourself and be consistent. It doesn’t have to be big and grand; one simply [you] must start,” advises the fitness instructor.
Members of the public are being urged to join Shani as she offers health tips for men at a ‘MASTERCLASS’ on Saturday, January 28, 2023.
Interested men can register for the free MASTERCLASS by using the link: https://grandy.biz/fitness-register