Men's Health Month - June 2022

With the first of June marking the start of Men’s Health Month, it is time to shine an awareness on how to check in with the guys to ensure they are talking the best care of themselves.
Research has shown that some men may be reluctant to see their doctors for physical health checks or to discuss mental health and wellness. Rural men may not be able to take time away from their farm work and men who work in other industries can often prioritise their work tasks over health.

Whatever the reason, there are some worrying statistics when it comes to men’s health. In fact, men are 24 percent less likely to visit the doctor for regular check-ups than women. Additionally, they’re 22 percent more likely than women to neglect their cholesterol tests. That’s a key reason why men suffer more heart attacks in their 50s than women. (HealthPartners.com)

Some men feel that if they are well, then there is no need for a visit to their GP. Others may not be comfortable with health examinations or even talking to the medical sector. The longstanding stereotype that men don’t go to the doctor is proving to be true even today. Men are supposed to be tough and full of machismo, but that line of thinking is putting millions of men at risk.

Even in today’s world of easy information about health and fitness, men still fall behind women in taking care of their health by scheduling annual exams or going to a doctor unless a condition becomes unbearable. On average, men die half a decade earlier than women. Now, with the emerging recognition that treating preventable causes of death could close the medical gender gap, it’s more important than ever to push men to get the care they need. (integrisok.com)

Physical, mental and emotional wellbeing conversations across the lifespan will help to normalise and prioritise health including the often-dreaded check-ups. Other factors can prevent men from seeking health support such as distance, financial cost, time off work, fear and a reluctance to be examined. Accessibility to health services is a big issue for men, women, families and children especially in rural and regional areas. If health services have been difficult to access, men (women and children) may be missing out on vital health checks.

Even though it feels like an outdated stereotype, recent research shows men are still less likely to talk about their health, especially their mental health. Being proactive, aware of risks and talking more honestly are key ways men can be supported to live healthier, happier and longer lives. If you identify as a man yourself, know that there is a world of support for you, and many ways that you can take better care of yourself even if right now you don’t feel able to talk about what’s bothering you or make time to think about your own health.

If you have men in your life who you care about, make it more normal to ask your male family members and friends about their health, encourage them to get regular check-ups with a healthcare professional, and help boys feel comfortable expressing themselves when they’re feeling unwell. (league.com)

Flyers and brochures with information on cholesterol, prostate issues, essential screening tests, mental wellbeing and general health may encourage men to have a read and consider any next steps. Leaving a few brochures lying around may be a way to get the message across if there is still a level of discomfort in talking about men’s health.

This June, prioritise men’s health and start a conversation, leave brochures in places where the guys are likely to pick them up and normalise seeking support for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. https://menshealthmonth.org/

Sources:
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/why-men-arent-taking-their-health-seriously/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20men%20are%2024%20percent%20less%20likely,more%20heart%20attacks%20in%20their%2050s%20than%20women
https://integrisok.com/resources/on-your-health/2019/june/why-dont-men-see-doctors
https://league.com/blog/talk-about-mens-health/