Carmen Bowen-Wright
IN THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF LIFE, men generally get the same attention that accords them health and wellness as do females. After that, it seems to be a 'hit and miss' situation. For example, those being admitted to select schools are required to have a medical. Again, when it is time for tertiary education, it is another occasion for a medical examination and, of course, the emphasis is usually on the state of the body and not much else. For this reason, some young adults suffer mental and spiritual challenges while pursuing studies at the tertiary level. With the above profile, I will suggest ways to encourage males to obtain wellness.
BOYS
As mothers, we can gain our boys' confidence and teach them good hygiene and health habits that lead to wellness. After all, we are their first health care providers. It would mean that all of us will have to be motivated to learn the factors that promote wellness to pass on good habits to our boys. In addition, we (especially fathers) must be good role models.
ADOLESCENTS
Puberty (when boys are moving from boyhood to manhood) is a milestone and we should try to care for them. This is to ensure that their mental, spiritual and physical development proceed along a positive pathway. Parents should use this milestone as a reason for a medical check-up. It should also be used as an opportunity to teach them how the body works and strategies to maintain wellness.
Organisations such as the scouts, schools, youth clubs and the Church should instruct teenager in the health hazards of smoking, excess alcohol and drugs. Hopefully, this would only be reinforcing what parents are teaching them at home.
It is at puberty that many youngsters experiment with sex. In Jamaica, boys are initiating the first sexual experience as early as 11 years. Hence, they should be instructed quite early to abstain but be taught the rudiments of safe sex.
MEN
Happily some men do aspire to keep well. They visit an appropriate health care provider at intervals even when they have no overt symptoms of ill-health. If ill, especially with a chronic disease, they are compliant with whatever medical therapy is prescribed. We want, however, to reach the great number of men who only interface with a health facility when emergencies arise.
THE ROLE OF WIVES AND CHILDREN
They can coax men to have adequate rest, regular medicals and good nutrition. This, however, is sometimes easier said than done.
THE ROLE OF COMPANIES AND THE STATE
More companies can make medicals a condition for employment and thereafter annual medicals. The bauxite companies already do this, these checks turn up conditions such as poor eye sight and undiagnosed diabetes in some workers. The insurance companies also require a medical for some types of insurance.
The government already sets an example as all persons being appointed to the civil service must pass a medical. The weaknesses here, however, is that there are no follow-up checks as staff age.
My final comment is to the men, media and health care providers. I would beseech the latter to teach men more about the benefits of early detection for continued wellness. Also, they should be taught the self-destructive results of many habits, such as smoking and drugs. To the men, I say go for it! Overcome your fear of health facilities and health care providers, protect your wellness and best wishes.
Dr. Carmen Bowen-Wright is a preventive medicine specialist and wellness practitioner; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
