FOUNDER OF INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY, JEROME TEELUCKSINGH, Ph.D. DELIVERS MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON, D.C.'S PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION

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 On Monday, 19 November 2012, Jerome Teelucksingh, Ph.D., the Founder of International Men's Day and Chairman of the International Men's Day Coordination Committee delivered the following message from Port-of-Spain in Trinidad and Tobago to the Pan American Health Organization in Washington, D.C. as it observed International Men's Day:

 "To the Director of the Pan American Health Organization in Washington, D.C.,  the local Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Representative, Dr. Bernadette Theodore-Gandi, and the staff and guests in the Caribbean offices. I am indeed grateful to the Pan American Health Organization for observing International Men’s Day today. This special day has been continuously observed for the past 14 years and today it is recognized in more than 70 countries. This year the focus is on Men’s health- their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.  World Diabetes Day was celebrated on November 14 and the world is becoming increasingly aware and sensitive to numerous health issues.

However, lifestyle and non-communicable diseases are still too prevalent. Alcohol, cigarette and illegal drug abuse, irresponsible sexual activity, stress and obesity endanger the quality of the lives of our men and their health and so gnaw at the very fiber of our families, communities and nations. We men must take control of our own health too even though modern drugs and scientific research may offer some basic solutions to our health issues. We continue to salute and pay tribute to all researchers, health personnel and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that our men achieve their goals in their quest for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health."