Public responds favourably to men’s health fair

Roadtown, Tortola - The public responded favourably to the third annual Men’s Health Fair, which was held in the Breezeway of the Central Administration Building last Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Head of Gender Affairs Ms. Patricia Hackett said this year’s activity was the best supported as over 200 persons attended. “By 10:00 o’clock we had registered over 60 men to do confidential screening. We also saw a steady flow of people throughout the day, and all the booths attracted a number of people,” she said.

Ms. Hackett noted that there were some suggestions via a survey that the event should be held twice a year and to include other health screenings for kidney functions, prostate health, and HIV.

The BVI Diabetes Association and the BVI Health Services Authority collaborated to offer screening for hypertension, cholesterol, and blood glucose during last Friday’s health fair.

Other exhibitors included the BVI Power Lifting Federation, Community Mental Health Department, and the BVI Health Services Authority’s Food and Nutrition Unit. A number of private sector businesses also participated in the exhibition.

Ms. Hackett said it was especially gratifying to see so many men take advantage of the complimentary body massages, as body massages are part of health and wellness.

In addition to last Friday’s health fair the July 1-18 Men’s Health Month included several presentations on general men’s health and coping with everyday lifestyles at the male dominated workplaces. Those presentations were facilitated by various local doctors.

Other activities for the month included a blue ribbon campaign, a domino competition in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, and a number of appearances on local radio stations.
Men’s Health Month was observed under the theme “Men’s Health and Wellness: Coping with Everyday Lifestyles.” The month was a collaborative undertaking between the Ministry of Health and Social Development and other government and non-government organisations.

The Office of Gender Affairs operated under the Premier’s Office before it was transferred to the Ministry of Health and Social Development last year. The office is responsible for, among other things, developing and implementing policies and programmes which promote gender equality in the Territory.