Men urged to take health checks seriously

The Faith Community Sanctuary Church recently hosted a Mayibuye Indoda Men’s Empowerment Summit, where Lenmed Randfontein Private Hospital did health tests to ensure the well-being of men in the area.

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Pastor Clement Matsitse, an operational nurse manager at a local mental health institution, explained, “The testing of men remains a problem but there is a gradual improvement as evident by our outreach. Our message to men is to encourage them to get tested at least twice a year, or if they have any signs in their body that they don’t understand, they must reach out and shouldn’t stay silent.”

Around 60 men joined the summit to get tested.

Matsitse continued, Lenmed tested for blood pressure, which he added is the number one killer among men, along with glucose and cholesterol.

The benefit of early testing and detection is that any health problems can be identified and treated promptly.

“When you find out later, the chances of success are few, but if the problem is identified early, then interventions can be made,” said Matsitse.

He noted they not only want to encourage men to get tested, but they also give them health talks and individual sessions to people with high blood pressure.

“The number one aim was to encourage the culture of testing, and number two was to identify any cases that need referral and make sure that they are attended to in time,” Matsitse added.

As both a medical professional and a pastor, Matsitse explained he would like to bridge the divide between the two worlds.

“I would like to encourage believers to test and to take their health very seriously. I consider myself to be at an advantage to relate to both worlds, so I can bring the spiritual element to the workplace, but I can also bring the health aspect to the church. The reason we brought testing on site was to make it practical, not just a talk, but to make it practical, relevant and meaningful.”