Employees learn more about mens’ health and family issues
Male employees of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure were afforded an opportunity to talk about issues relating to men’s health and learn more on how to best treat their spouses and children during the department’s annual men’s seminar held at a venue outside Polokwane on Friday. The day started with sports activities …
Male employees of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure were afforded an opportunity to talk about issues relating to men’s health and learn more on how to best treat their spouses and children during the department’s annual men’s seminar held at a venue outside Polokwane on Friday.
The day started with sports activities where attendees participated in soccer, volleyball, and aerobics and were also treated to massages to loosen their muscles. Although energy and commitment was displayed during the sporting games, the men were on fire when given a platform to ask urologist Puleng Masegela questions relating to their health, especially bedroom related issues. Before Masegela could make a presentation, women invited to the seminar were excused.
Masegela said the biggest problem with men is their silence and not taking time to consult whenever they suspect a health issue, adding that for a man to go see a urologist they rather take their vehicles for a full service.
He further said every man between the ages of 40 and 45 needs to consult a urologist at least once a year and reiterated that men should exercise regularly and drink a lot of water to keep their bodies and minds healthy.
Masegela, who works at Pietersburg Provincial Hospital and a private facility in the city applauded the department for convening such a gathering saying this will give men an opportunity to break their silence and engage in important discussions.
Department representative Ragofa Makgatho said more than 350 men attended the seminar of which the primary purpose was for men to speak out and learn how to take care of their bodies. He said the majority of men are neither happy at work or at home hence the seminar also aimed at teaching them on how to treat their families in order to be happy.
Makgatho added that the session also served as a team building strategy, adding that this will boost their working relationship and the department’s performance.
Among invited speakers were a local pastor Mukondeleli Ramaulondi who was expected to focus his presentation on marriage and a Police official, Valeria Molaba who deliberated more on gender-based violence. Social workers were also present and Makgatho urged men to share their turmoil with them to get a solution.
Story and photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
