VSA Minister Claret Connor being screened.
PHILIPSBURG--More than 500 men have already been tested as part of the “Man UP, Check UP” prostate cancer awareness campaign, with Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Claret Connor urging men to take responsibility for their health and make use of screening opportunities.
Connor participated in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing at NAPA Auto Parts on A. Th. Illidge Road on Saturday, September 19, accompanied by the two male members of his cabinet. He later participated in “Let’s Talk About Sex 4 – Prostate Cancer Awareness,” a Men’s Night Out organised by the Elektralyets Foundation and Positive Foundation.
Connor said his participation in the screening was about leading by example. “As leaders, we have to be willing to lead by example. We cannot encourage our men to take care of their health if we are not prepared to do the same ourselves.”
The minister said he was encouraged to see men from different walks of life standing in line to be tested, showing that men’s health concerns people across different ages, professions, backgrounds and social circumstances.
He said the more than 500 men who had already been tested demonstrated the importance of making health screening accessible and visible within the community.
Connor encouraged men who have not yet been screened to make use of additional opportunities. PSA screenings will take place Friday, September 25, at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).
He also encouraged men to look out for additional screening dates and prostate cancer awareness activities throughout September. “I encourage our men not to wait and not to assume that because they feel healthy, they do not need to get checked,” Connor said.
During the Men’s Night Out, Connor thanked the Elektralyets Foundation and Positive Foundation for creating opportunities for men to have open conversations about their health.
The event included conversation, education and fellowship around prostate cancer and men’s health.
Connor also recognised the health professionals who participated in the prostate cancer awareness panel: Dr. Diego Ramos and Dr. Carlos Rojas, both urologists at St. Maarten Medical Center; Karen Eusebius, dietician; and Solens Dornezon, health and fitness coach.
He also thanked the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) staff for their work on public health initiatives and the St. Maarten Lions Club for making its clubhouse available for the Men’s Night Out event.
Connor said improving men’s health requires the involvement of government, healthcare professionals, community organisations and residents. “Community organisations, healthcare professionals, government and residents all have a role to play in creating a healthier St. Maarten,” he said.
