Men’s health habits driving economic risk in Jamaica - Reid

Hugh Reid, managing director of JN Life Insurance and a men’s- health advocate, is warning that Jamaica’s economy could pay a steep price if more men do not begin to take their health seriously. He argues that persistent neglect of routine care and prevention is not just a personal risk, but a national concern with far-reaching economic consequences.

Reid linked men’s health behaviours directly to productivity losses and financial instability, noting that one in three Jamaicans is hypertensive, one in eight is diabetic, and roughly a third of the population is expected to develop a chronic illness during their lifetime.

“The best way to reduce healthcare costs is prevention,” Reid said. “When men affected by non-communicable diseases are hospitalised, or in the worst cases, die, the impact is felt not only by their families but by the wider economy, because many of these men are the primary breadwinners.”

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, are largely driven by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and harmful alcohol use, alongside genetic predisposition and ageing. Data from the Ministry of Health and Wellness highlights the scale of the issue among Jamaican men: 31 per cent are hypertensive, 14 per cent are obese, and nine per cent have been diagnosed with diabetes. Despite these figures being slightly lower than those for women, men continue to have a shorter life expectancy, pointing to lower engagement with preventive healthcare.

“These illnesses not only strain the healthcare system but can wipe out life savings,” Reid added. “Men need to understand that their health decisions affect not only their own well-being, but also the financial stability of their households and the country.”

He pointed to longstanding trends that show that men are less likely to seek medical care early. Citing research, Reid noted that a University of the West Indies study in the 2010s found that 68 per cent of Jamaican men over age 55 had not visited a healthcare provider in the year prior to the survey. At the same time, about 17 per cent of men in that age group had been hospitalised, and only 35 per cent had undergone a prostate examination.

Reid pointed out that reports in the media have also underscored the risks, with cases of men being hospitalised due to lifestyle-related illnesses or injured in motor vehicle crashes linked to impaired driving. Reid warned that without behavioural change, the long-term outlook remains concerning.

“Studies show that over the next 15 years, Jamaica could lose up to $47 billion in workforce productivity due to NCDs, while medical costs from cardiovascular disease and diabetes alone could reach $29.8 billion,” he said. “That is a burden the country cannot afford.”

He also highlighted a gap in financial preparedness, noting that men are significantly less likely to invest in life insurance or critical- illness coverage.

“Women outnumber men two to one in our client base. That is worrying because when breadwinners fall ill or pass away, families often face severe financial hardship. Life insurance is not just a policy., it is a safety net,” he said.

Against this backdrop, physician Dr Earl Brewster is reinforcing the call for men to prioritise their health through regular medical check-ups. He stressed that annual screenings are essential for early detection and management of NCDs, which can otherwise progress silently until serious complications arise.

“Men need to adopt better health-seeking behaviours,” Dr Brewster said. “The life expectancy for Jamaican men is 72 years, compared to 76 years for women. Research also shows that mortality risk increases significantly in a man’s 40s and again in his 60s. Simple actions, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and doing annual check-ups, can make a significant difference.”

Dr Brewster recommends that men undergo a comprehensive annual medical assessment, including cardiovascular screening, blood sugar testing, liver and kidney function tests, thyroid checks, vitamin- level assessments, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for early detection of prostate cancer. For men over 50, he also advises a colonoscopy every 10 years.

“These tests are widely available and often covered by insurance,” he said. “Early detection is key, especially if you already have conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Regular monitoring helps prevent complications.”

However, he acknowledged that cultural attitudes remained a barrier.

“There’s an old saying that when you see a man at the doctor, it’s either because he’s very ill or a woman brought him,” Dr Brewster said. “We need to change that narrative. Men must take ownership of their health, not just for themselves, but for their families.”