Pauline Williams- Green

Women live longer than men

The Jamaican average life expectancy at birth is 74 years. In the main, men live five years fewer than women. This may be a reflection of some innate difference between men and women but it may also demonstrate that men pay less attention to their health than women. More men die from cancers and communicable diseases than women; this may be due to the fact that men wait too long to check themselves and so treatment is delayed or ineffective.

Causes of death

Chronic diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, obesity and cancers account for 56 per cent of deaths annually. According to a lifestyle survey conducted by the University of the West Indies and the Ministry of Health, approximately 30 per cent of men are obese or overweight while 29 per cent of men smoke.

Obesity and smoking are preventable risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. Moderate levels of exercise, practised for at least 30 minutes daily, and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables with a reduction in fat, sugar and salt in the diet will decrease obesity in the society.

Cancers

Lung cancer, which is predominantly a male condition, can be prevented by avoiding the habit of smoking. Prostate cancer can be detected early by means of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing and the digital rectal examination (DRE). Treatment and a cure is available using radiotherapy or surgery. Cancers of the colon and rectum can be cured if identified early by means of faecal occult blood test and flexible colonoscopy.

Violence

Men are more susceptible to death and illness from risk-taking behaviours such as accidents, violence and risky sex. Last year, more than 1,000 men died violently. Young males account for approximately 30 per cent of visits to the accident and emergency units at all hospitals and nearly 50 per cent of these visits are related to gunshot wounds. Most violent injuries can be prevented by focused education on these young men.

Sexually transmitted diseases

The lifestyle survey showed 64 per cent of males had more than one sex partner, 53 per cent did not use a condom in their last sex act, while one out of four men (28 per cent) have a sexually transmitted disease annually. Boys at 13.4 years begin sexual activity, two years earlier than girls. The highest rate of HIV infection occurs among adolescent boys. Abuse of drugs and alcohol, sexual promiscuity and unsafe sexual practices favour the spread of HIV/AIDS.

What can men do?

What can men do to improve their health? The answer lies in their hands and so men must be educated through public information campaigns as well as contacts with health personnel. Men must be taught how to adopt a healthier lifestyle in terms of what they eat and increasing their physical activity. Men must avoid smoking. They should be urged to visit a doctor for a check-up at least once yearly to detect problems early which is when they can be treated effectively.

This space will be used to educate and encourage men to live healthier, happier and longer lives.

Next week: Why won't men visit the doctor?