ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, June 13th, 2012 – Men in the Virgin Islands are receiving special attention as the Office of Gender Affairs, in partnership with the BVI Health Services Authority and other agencies, hosts its sixth Men’s Health Week from June 13-19.
Observed under the theme "From Boys to Men: Promoting Health and Well Being", a series of events are being held to sensitise communities and especially males, on the importance of prevention and men’s health issues.
Speaking in a GIS Radio Report, Administrative Officer in the Office of Gender Affairs Ms. Angela Herbert shared that there are number of diseases of which men must be aware.
“Many people think prostate cancer is the number one ailment that affects men. There are actually more diseases such as hypertension, Type Two diabetes, osteoporosis and mental health issues such as stress,” she said.
Also appearing on the radio report was Chief Fire Officer and Member of the Men’s Health Committee, Mr. Zebalon McClean who urged men in the community to remain physically active, make healthier nutritional choices and to have routine health screenings as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Activities planned for Men’s Health Week include educational sessions conducted by male doctors at offices with pre-dominantly male employees such as the Solid Waste Department, BVI Electricity Corporation, the Public Works Department and Water and Sewerage Department.
Other activities include a Buddy/Family Walk on Tortola on Saturday, June 16 at 5:00a.m. starting from the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park to the New Life Baptist Church and back. A similar walk will be held on Virgin Gorda at 5:00a.m. starting from the Yacht Harbour to the Baths and back.
Additionally, in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority, the Office of Gender Affairs will be facilitating the Prostate Specific Antigen blood test for men at the Long Look and Road Town Community Clinics on Tortola, and at the Iris O’Neal Clinic on Virgin Gorda.
This test is being offered at the clinics for a nominal fee of $30, while pap smears for female companions are being offered for $25.
The main highlight of the week is the Men’s Health Fair at the Sir Olva Georges Plaza on Friday, June 15 from 8:00a.m. to 2:30p.m. Several government departments, non-governmental agencies and units such as the Sandy Lane Centre, Social Development Department, Cutting Edge Reloaded and Bless Hands Spa will be available to speak with visitors at the fair. The BVI Diabetes Association and the National AIDS Programme will also be on hand to provide confidential blood glucose, hypertension and HIV screenings.
For more information on the activities planned for Men’s Health Week, telephone the Office of Gender Affairs at 468.3701 ext 2234, 2236, 3415.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide leadership that promotes health, social wellbeing, and a safe environment as positive resources for living and sustainable development of the Territory.
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