Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCT 21 (NPN): Kohima-based motorcycle club, Club 650, organised “The Gentlemen’s Ride” on Tuesday to raise awareness on men’s mental health and wellbeing, with a special focus on prostate cancer prevention and emotional wellness.
The ride commenced from Eco Park, Kohima, traversed various parts of the town and culminated at Cabin V, Chatsuogei Kohima where a brief awareness programme was held. More than 30 riders participated in the event, which also featured activities such as arm wrestling and a slow motorcycle race.
Speaking on prostate cancer awareness, joint state programme officer, National Health Mission, Dr. Hentok Phom, stressed the importance of early detection and timely medical intervention.
Explaining the prostate gland and its associated conditions, Dr. Phom said the gland, located below the urinary bladder in males, could develop benign enlargement or cancer. While benign enlargement was non-cancerous, he said it could still cause urinary complications, particularly among older men.
He cautioned that prostate cancer often remained undetected in its early stages as patients might not experience pain or other obvious symptoms. Increased urinary frequency, he said, could be one of the warning signs, adding that the disease could progress to an advanced stage if left undiagnosed.
Dr. Phom highlighted the role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, a blood test used to assess PSA levels, in identifying individuals who may require further evaluation for suspected prostate cancer. He encouraged participants to spread awareness on prostate health, especially among men aged 50 years and above, and urged elderly men to seek medical consultation and undergo appropriate screening.
He emphasised that early detection and timely treatment could significantly reduce the risk of advanced disease.
Addressing the gathering on mental health and wellbeing, state mental health programme officer Dr. Rupert Peseyie thanked Club 650 for creating a platform to engage with riders and discuss mental health issues.
Dr. Peseyie said mental health was closely linked to physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. He stressed the importance of understanding and balancing emotions, including sadness, anger, love and compassion, in order to maintain psychological wellbeing.
He noted that while emotions such as sadness and anger were natural, the manner in which individuals responded to and managed those emotions determined their overall mental wellbeing. Unbalanced emotional responses, he warned, could lead to unhealthy behaviour.
Encouraging participants to develop healthy coping mechanisms, he advised them not to allow negative emotions to dictate their actions. He also highlighted gratitude and spiritual practices, including prayer, as important tools for maintaining emotional balance.
Dr. Peseyie further underscored the role of healthy lifestyle habits in promoting mental wellbeing. He advised participants to get at least six to seven hours of sleep, stay hydrated and engage in regular physical activity.
He also spoke on mindfulness, describing it as the practice of being fully aware of the present moment and one’s surroundings. Using the group ride as an example, he said mindful riding involved maintaining awareness of road conditions, fellow riders and safe riding practices.
Extending the concept to daily life, he encouraged participants to appreciate their food and remain mindful of the effort involved in its preparation. Greater awareness of everyday activities, he said, could contribute to a more balanced and healthier lifestyle.
The programme at Cabin V was chaired by Club 650 president Jonathan Leyri.
Earlier, the ride was flagged off by Kevi Tsükrü, proprietor of Taho. Renowned Naga woman rider Onen Nenty also joined and supported the event.