Men’s health in spotlight

Health tests and screenings will be carried out for men at Park Station, as the City marks Men’s Health Month. Wellness information will also be handed out.
THERE will be free health screenings on the ground floor of Park Station tomorrow to mark Men’s Health Awareness Month.

Men can get free health screeningsMen can get free health screeningsThe testing will be conducted by the City in partnership with several non-governmental organisations – Anova Health Institute, Sonke Gender Justice and Sohaca (Soweto HIV/AIDS Counsellors' Association) – between 8am and 4pm on 24 June.

According to the City’s spokesperson, Nkosinathi Nkabinde, the purpose of Men’s Health Month is to raise awareness of preventable health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.

“This month gives health professionals, the media and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.”

Men’s Health Awareness Month is held every year in June. In South Africa, men on average die nearly five years younger than women; they also have higher death rates for nine out of the 10 leading causes of death, including heart diseases, cancer and stroke.

Yet, they are less likely to visit a doctor or lead a healthy lifestyle. The free screenings will include cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and prostate cancer. There will also be free HIV counselling and testing.

“Annual check-ups for men are important in staying proactive and preventative in matters of one’s health,” said Nkabinde.

Participants will also learn about maintaining healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of premature death from disease and injury. Information will be available on chronic diseases, common types of cancer that affect men and HIV infection. Urine tests will be carried out to detect kidney disease and diabetes.

For more information about the health screenings, contact Nkosinathi Nkabinde on 011 407 6477 or send an email to nkosinathin@joburg.org.za.