MESSAGE BY DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR
HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
HONOURABLE CARVIN MALONE

IN OBSERVANCE OF MEN’S HEALTH WEEK

JUNE 15 TO 21 2020

 ‘TAKE ACTION ON COVID 19’

The British Virgin Islands is celebrating Men’s Health Week from June 15 to 21 in an effort to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.

This year, the international theme, ‘Take Action on COVID 19’ seeks to encourage men and boys to take action to prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus; to take action to stay safe during lockdown and the 'new normal'; and take action to address any 'underlying health conditions' that would contribute to men’s vulnerability during this COVID-19 pandemic.

In the United States of America, many reports have stated that men have a higher rate of dying due to COVID-19 complications.  This means that they are more likely to have preexisting conditions that can make COVID-19 more dangerous.

Starting today, I urge my brothers to take charge of your health!

 The sooner you do the better. It is not in our best interest as men to wait until we are in our 40’s, 50’s or 60’s to see a doctor. We need to care about our health at all ages.

A simple visit to the doctor to openly discuss issues including your mental health and your overall wellness is also a step in the right direction. Mental health is another aspect of our health that we neglect and support is available.

The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for men to shift gears and pay attention to their risks surrounding the disease and the measures they can take to reduce those risks.

The Men’s Health Organization states that men often surpass women in risk factors for more severe COVID-19 like symptoms. Men in particular engage more in risky behavior such as smoking which make them more vulnerable to the disease.

Men, let us have our health in check right now! Seek your doctor’s advice early to minimise your risk of chronic diseases, which we know will not only improve your health and wellbeing overall, but will reduce your risk of being severely affected by COVID-19.

Let us keep up-to-date on the preventative measures in place in the Territory to protect ourselves, our families and our communities.

I thank you.