‘Celebrating Wellness’ Focuses On Men & Boys
The sixth annual Celebrating Wellness event was held by the Ministry of Health and Seniors at City Hall car park yesterday [Sept 28], focusing on a theme of ‘Men’s and Boy’s Health.’
A spokesperson said, “Men and boys face different health and wellbeing concerns than women and girls. There is an ongoing, increasing and mostly silent crisis in the health and wellbeing of men and boys.
“That is why Men’s and Boys’ health was the theme of the sixth annual Celebrating Wellness event held by the Ministry of Health and Seniors at City Hall car park Wednesday evening. In addition to demonstrations of sport, health and fitness related activities, a selection of healthy food options and free health screenings were on offer.
“Males experience higher rates of addiction, violence, crime, accidents and premature death when compared to their female counterparts. In the local context, men show higher rates of death from cancer, stroke, renal failure, and external causes like assaults or accidents on our roads. The health and wellbeing of men and boys is an area of concern to all.”
“Celebrating Wellness focused on helping men and boys learn more about what it means to be healthy. If low awareness and incomplete health education are areas for improvement, the Ministry wanted to provide information and support at the wellness fair.
“The statistics are sobering. Half of all fatalities are related to lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, stress, nutrition, high blood pressure, alcohol and drug use.
“The Steps to a Well Bermuda Survey 2014 found 75% of adult are overweight or obese; 33% reported having high blood pressure; 34% had high cholesterol; nearly 1 in 8 had raised blood glucose levels or used medication to control their blood glucose levels; half of adults drink sugary drinks on any given day; and just 18% eat the recommended 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables.”
“The good news,“ said Minister of Health and Seniors, Jeanne Atherden, “is that these statistics can be changed if you remember this formula: healthy eating plus more activity equals a strong, healthy life.”
She added, “As Minister of Health and Seniors, I spend a great deal of time considering the cost to the country of unhealthy residents. We want everyone to be healthy and happy, not just so people have good lives but for another incredibly important reason: to manage the cost of healthcare. In Bermuda, the cost of healthcare is second only to the United States.
“The diseases you cannot catch from someone else that are associated with too little physical activity and poor diet account for a significant proportion of spending on healthcare. These are things like heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Therefore, physical activity and healthy eating are important to all of us.”
“Organizations taking part in Celebrating Wellness included Argus, Health Insurance Department, BF&M Insurance, BIU Credit Union, Bermuda Society for the Blind, Bermuda Grocery Box, SCARS, Ocean Rock Wellness, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, among others.
“The event was organized by the Health Promotion Office at the Department of Health. Other partners include the Well Bermuda Partners, the Chamber of Commerce and the Corporation of Hamilton.”
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