The Office of Gender Affairs is celebrating men this month by promoting health and wellness as part of Men’s Health Week from June 13 to 17.

The week of activities will focus on building healthy environment’s for men and boys by creating physically, mentally and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace and social settings.

“We want to look at all forms of health including social health,’ Gender Affairs Coordinator Ms. Tara Sue Morgan said, adding, “We want to know how they interact with their families because when you are happy at home you will have a happier outlook on life.  When the home is happy, society is happy.  We are not just building up the men we are building society.”

Ms. Morgan further stated that psychological issues will also be looked at as a healthy mind is important to our overall health and well-being. She also encouraged men to do annual health screenings.

 “In the BVI, men are mostly affected by diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, prostate cancer and STDs.  Factors that contribute to men’s vulnerability to these chronic diseases include eating too much of sweet and salted foods, not eating foods with good nutritional value, lack of physical activity and not investing the time needed to do the things that will promote health and wellness,” the coordinator said.

The Territory’s men are also encouraged to participate in the week of activities. There will be men cave sessions within male-dominated government offices between June 13 to17, Healthy Macho Men Gym time hosted in collaboration with Genesis Gym on June 16 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and a fatherhood campaign that will feature photos of fathers engaging in activities with their children.

Persons interested in participating in any of the activities are asked to contact the Office of Gender Affairs at 468-3415 or 468-2236.

“We encourage men to participate in these activities as we seek to build healthy environments for men and boys,” Ms. Morgan concluded

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Territory.