From Administrator to Advocate

For over 25 years, Dwayne Parker worked behind the scenes in the healthcare system, serving in behavioral health, marketing, and human resource administration. In 2023, he became a Certified Men’s Health Educator. This wide-ranging career gave him a unique lens into the inner workings of wellness, particularly the gaps and unspoken struggles men face regarding their health.

However, his passion for men’s health wasn’t born solely from his career- it was personal. Despite having insurance, Dwayne spent years helping his father navigate a complex healthcare system. That journey, marked by frustrating gaps and missed opportunities for preventive care, became a pivotal point in Dwayne’s mission. But nothing could have prepared him for his own health battle.

A Heart Transformed

In 2017, Dwayne was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Over the next several years, his journey would involve a pacemaker, a defibrillator, a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and finally, in 2024, a life-saving heart transplant.

“The process was long, intense, and spiritual.” Dwayne shared. “It tested everything- my patience, my commitment, my faith.”

But through it all, one thing remained steady: the unwavering support of his wife, Maureen. From the first ER visit to the transplant recovery, she was by his side- his caregiver, his advocate, his rock.

“Caregivers matter,” Dwayne emphasized. “Maureen wasn’t just my wife- she was my lifeline. Women play a powerful role in ensuring their loved ones stay on top of their health.”

Men’s Health: A Silent Crisis

“Men live 6 to 7 years less than women. That’s a silent health crisis we can’t ignore anymore,” he said. ” Men skip checkups, avoid conversations about stress or depression, and don’t know their health numbers. That needs to change.” 

He points to startling statistics: 90% of women have a primary care provider compared to only 60% of men. While most men will religiously change their car’s oil every 3,000 miles, they often delay getting a routine physical until something is seriously wrong- often something preventable. 

His message? Know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, and Body Mass Index at a minimum. Catch issues early, preventative care isn’t a burden- it’s a lifeline.