Take men’s health seriously

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to highlight the importance of male health. Too often, men only seek medical care when illness has already taken hold when symptoms have worsened to the point of hospitalisation. This reactive approach leaves a glaring gap in preventive healthcare, diminishing treatment options and forcing medical professionals to make assumptions due to incomplete patient histories.

Modern medicine thrives on accurate records, yet many medical histories remain incomplete particularly those of fathers. This is a common gap of missing information in our Caribbean household and Jamaica is no exception. It creates obstacles in critical diagnosing and treating conditions effectively, impacting not only men’s health but the entire family’s well-being.

Routine medical checkups, including bloodwork, vision and hearing assessments, as well as urine and stool analysis, are vital components of comprehensive wellness. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding masculinity and discomfort with seeking care often result in late diagnoses. Meanwhile, women are generally diligent in scheduling medical visits, ensuring children receive necessary checkups, treatments, and follow-ups. Men must shift their mindset, developing proactive medical awareness beyond emergency intervention.

As a father I have appreciated the importance of our medical history. It is often missing and is one of the most valuable legacies that we can provide for our children more than we realise. Yet, too often, we men respond to medical history questions with guesses or vague recollections rather than documented facts.

This lack of attention reduces the quality of medical care, prognosis to symptom management, leading to reliance on medication rather than a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Prostate health which exemplifies the consequences of this neglect and impact on our quality of life. Prostate cancer, which is most common cancer among Jamaican men, flourishes in silence. Early detection through prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams significantly improves survival rates and quality of life. Imagine the profound ripple effect of a father who prioritises his health his presence shaping his children’s future, ensuring their wellness, and strengthening the family unit.

Maintaining a detailed medical history enables men to protect their families. By recognising genetic predispositions, managing chronic conditions, and tracking family health trends, fathers can safeguard their children’s future and contribute to a healthier society.

Changing this reality requires a collective effort. We must normalise discussions about men’s health, dismantle barriers to seeking care, and encourage routine medical checkups.

PATRICK BROWN

Pembroke Pines, Florida

pbrown_436@yahoo.com