Taking charge of their health

When Edward Taylor finally decided to have his prostate examined, fear was one of the biggest obstacles standing in his way. The Technology Solutions manager had hesitated but ultimately chose to confront his concerns because he knew his health mattered, not only to him, but also to the family that depended on him.

His story takes on added significance in September, observed as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness about prostate cancer, encouraging men to understand their risk and promoting conversations about early detection and treatment.

“I did a prostate examination some years ago. At first, I hesitated, but I made the decision to overcome my fear because I have a family, and I have to make sure that my well-being is taken care of,” Taylor said.

So, when he attended a recent presentation on men’s health at H&L Agro, the message resonated deeply.

“I felt like the presentation was speaking directly to me, but I also knew it was speaking to many others in the room. Good health is priceless, and we have to take responsibility for protecting it,” he said.

Taylor, who has been with the company for eight years, said he was proud that H&L continues to invest in its employees, not only through the products and services it provides, but also through initiatives that encourage workers to prioritise their health.

Hardware & Lumber Limited (H&L) traces its origins to 1927 and has grown into a major Jamaican provider of products and solutions in construction, home improvement and agriculture. Its H&L Agro division supports farmers through agricultural inputs, equipment, technical expertise and related services. The company operates 15 locations islandwide.

Taylor said the company’s emphasis on nation-building has always been part of its ethos, making the wellness initiative a natural extension of its commitment to its people. He urged men not to allow fear to become an excuse for neglecting their health, noting that the first step towards better health is often deciding to confront what scares you.

The initiative, being rolled out under the theme ‘Building a Healthier Workforce, One Employee at a Time’, is designed to encourage H&L employees to take a more proactive approach to their physical, mental and financial well-being.

Annica Anderson, chief human resource officer, said the message extends beyond individual employees because health decisions affect families, relationships, colleagues and the wider organisation.

“This message belongs to all of us,” Anderson said. “Our health affects not only ourselves, but our families, partners, colleagues and the organisation as a whole. This month is about you, so take advantage of the activities and information being provided, make informed decisions, and take responsibility for your health.”

She also stressed the importance of speaking openly about health.

“Taking action is powerful, and talking about your health does not make you weak. It is a sign that you value yourself enough to do something about your well-being,” she said.

With more than 700 employees, Anderson said, the programme represents a meaningful investment in creating a healthier workplace culture.

“We want to create an environment where healthier choices become part of everyday life and wellness becomes part of our lifestyle, not something we think about only when there is a problem,” she said. “This programme belongs to our employees, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunities being provided along their wellness journey.”

Motivational speaker Pastor Dane Fletcher said the launch provided an important opportunity to break through some of the silence and hesitation surrounding men’s health.

“For many men, talking about health concerns, particularly issues involving prostate health, can be uncomfortable,” Fletcher said. “Initiatives like this create a space where men can become informed, ask questions, and understand that taking care of their health is not a sign of weakness. It is an act of responsibility to themselves, their families and the people who depend on them.”

The statistics underscore the need for conversations about prostate health. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, prostate cancer was Jamaica’s most commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting for 1,599 new cases, or 43.1 per cent of all new cancers among Jamaican men. It was also the country’s leading cancer in terms of deaths. PAHO reported that Jamaica recorded an age-adjusted prostate cancer mortality rate of 53.4 deaths per 100,000 men in 2019, while GLOBOCAN’s 2022 data placed the Caribbean’s age-standardised incidence rate at 73.9 cases per 100,000 men and its mortality rate at 26.4 deaths per 100,000.

While prostate cancer can grow slowly and cause no symptoms in its early stages, some men may experience difficulty urinating, weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination, particularly at night, blood in the urine or semen, or persistent pain in the back, hips or pelvis. Because these symptoms can have causes other than cancer, consultation with a healthcare professional is important.

According to Veronica Beecher-Brown, human resource manager, the company’s September programme will keep prostate health in focus through weekly education. Every Wednesday, employees will receive electronic ‘Prostate Health Nuggets’, designed to increase awareness and encourage men to take their health seriously.

The programme will also include presentations on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, along with tokens carrying messages related to suicide prevention and financial health. Employees will be encouraged to wear blue every Friday, while physical wellness will take centre stage through Tek A 5, a certified exercise programme designed to encourage regular movement. A full day of activities is also scheduled for September 24, with doctors and partner organisations, including the National Council on Drug Abuse.

“You have to make your health a priority. At the end of the day, good health is priceless, and there is nothing more valuable than being there for the people you love,” Beecher-Brown said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com