An initiative is to be formally launched online on August 20, 2023, which I trust will raise awareness of men's health in Jamaica. We women are much better at keeping track of our health; we are more likely to get our tests done (although I was rather shocked to learn that many middle-aged women told me they have never had a mammogram when I asked them - let alone once a year). The cost is often a factor, but should not be an excuse for not getting yourself checked out.
I remember when going for my daily radiation sessions last year, I was surprised to see that most of the patients in the waiting room were men - normally about 90 per cent. It worried me that many of them might not have been there at all if they had had regular health check-ups; and it's not somewhere that you want to end up. The cost of cancer treatment is very high (much higher than a blood test), and the level of mental as well as physical stress is considerable.
In the past, I have had to virtually bully my husband into getting his blood works done and going to the doctor; he still rolls his eyes when I remind him, but at least just needs a nudge nowadays to do what he knows is right. At one time he was terrified of the needle, but he is more courageous these days. Younger men, too, should keep an eye on their health and any signs something is wrong; things have a way of creeping up on you.
So now, two media people (both formerly with the Jamaica Gleaner) have decided to create "Wellness Men Mastery," which they describe as "the definitive YouTube channel designed specifically for males." They are former Editor-in-Chief of the Gleaner Company (Media) Limited Garfield Grandison (Grandy Media LLC) and former Associate Editor, also of The Gleaner, Byron Buckley (Buckley Communications).
Men account for 52 percent of all deaths from non-communicable diseases and are 75 percent more likely than women to die from heart disease, say Grandison and Buckley. Globally, about three quarters of all deaths are from non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, strokes, cancer, respiratory disease, and the dreaded diabetes, according to the World Health Organisation. These are what they call "lifestyle diseases."
The new YouTube series will address other serious health issues affecting Jamaican men - including mental health. Depression and anxiety are concerns at any age. A local study published at the end of last year found that just over half of Jamaican men (including young men) suffered (or are still suffering) from post-COVID depression. Sometimes it is very hard to get back on your feet. And one's mental and physical health are connected, of course.
One major trigger for mental health problems is "money worries" (and this was exacerbated by COVID). It is good to see that this new YouTube channel will also address this issue. The series will include finance experts as well as physicians, nutritionists, and fitness experts in its weekly programming. The initiative will also publish a quarterly e-magazine and there are plans to host an annual wellness summit for men.
So, look up the channel today (it is now live and you can take a look at several videos) at https://youtube.com/@WellnessMenMastery Garfield and Byron welcome your suggestions and recommendations, so you may drop them a line at wellnessmenmastery@gmail.com with your thoughts.
Do spread the word. Many men are afraid to admit their health problems, or to seek assistance. Initiatives like these can go a far way towards helping to open up the conversation - and to encouraging men to take charge of their health, once and for all.
"Join the Wellness Revolution for Men!"
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