Dear Editor,

In the recent sectoral debate Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton pointed out that 59 per cent of the deaths in 2020 were people below the age of 75.

Indeed, too many people are dying young. Dr Tufton says the leading causes of death were diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and heart disease, which was not surprising. A doctor told me recently he is seeing more younger patients with a host of health issues usually found in older patients. Poor diets, obesity, and physical inactivity have become a thing. Mental health is also affecting many youth, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic with lockdowns and isolation.

The ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign makes sense. Nothing in life is guaranteed; however, a few simple procedures can help us to reduce the risk of developing serious health issues. We must promote these campaigns publicly to reinforce the message. If we monitor cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and make healthy lifestyle changes to keep levels within normal ranges, we are well on the way.

Hypertension is also a problem for many Jamaicans, it is a silent killer and many don’t know they have high blood pressure until they suffer a sudden heart attack or stroke or die unexpectedly. We can monitor noticeable changes in weight, stool, urine, and generally how we feel day to day.

The Jamaican diet is notoriously delicious, but some dishes are overloaded with fats, grease, and sugars. It is all about moderation. Exercise is also important. We don’t have to be gym members, we can strive to incorporate walking regularly in our daily routine, even 30 minutes a day. Instead of taking an elevator, why not try the stairs?

As for cancers, there are tests that are becoming more popular and affordable globally; for example, the faecal immunochemical (FIT) test used to check stool for blood DNA; a non-invasive screening for colon cancers, which has become highly effective; there is also the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test for prostate cancer, which is also non-invasive. It would be good if the government could promote some of these tests publicly to increase awareness.

Private health insurance in Jamaica has become expensive and out of reach for many. If one is not employed and party to a comprehensive group health plan, the financial risks become an additional burden when there is a major health issue. These insurance companies should find ways to keep costs more affordable if they can share the insurance risks among more people.

I’ve always found the concept of an executive physical exam classist and unnecessary. A physical medical test should not have to be titled as “executive”, which suggests that only people of a certain strata (and income level) can afford it. We should eliminate the term so that our minds can be programmed to grasp the importance of getting a physical exam done, at least annually, regardless of who we are or how much we earn. It is especially important as we age.

Jamaica must strive to improve hospital services as a priority for the benefit of all Jamaicans. Health is an important part of productivity and critical for national development. Hospital workers are overworked and under-resourced, which leads to very poor service.

I believe that many deaths in hospitals are due to inadequate patient care. The minister is trying, his contribution to the sectoral debate was encouraging.

P Chin

chin_p@yahoo.com