Cardiologist Dr. Mahendra Carpen issued a stark warning at the Men’s Wellness Symposium, emphasizing that men are dying years earlier than women due to heart disease, lung cancer, accidents, and suicide, compounded by a culture of avoiding medical help.
Speaking on International Men’s Day at Herdmanston Lodge, Dr. Carpen noted that men in the Caribbean live three to four years shorter than women and are more than twice as likely to die prematurely. He attributed this to men often taking high-risk jobs and failing to seek medical care until severe symptoms arise.
“Men aged 25 to 64 frequently avoid routine checkups,” he stated, adding that stigma can deter men from discussing health concerns even in casual conversations.
He outlined men’s health through three pillars: physical, social, and mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of addressing all aspects. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, affecting various organs due to blood flow issues.
Dr. Carpen urged men to prioritize screenings for prostate and testicular health as essential for long-term wellness. He also discussed the inevitability of stress in life, stressing that how men cope with stress can be critical for their mental health.
“We must destigmatize seeking help; mental health requires treatment just like any other condition,” he advocated. He concluded that improving men’s health and longevity depends on breaking the silence, removing stigma, and normalizing regular checkups.
