Men’s Health Month is observed in June with the goal of raising awareness of the importance of regular checkups and routine screenings.
Men make about half as many preventative medical appointments as women and have a higher death rate from many of the leading causes of death for all people, including heart disease, suicide, cancer, and diabetes. They also tend to have more years of bad health and an average lifespan of five years fewer than women.
Men may wait until symptoms are severe before scheduling a medical consultation, when conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or mental health disorders are more advanced and debilitating, but prevention and early detection are key to reducing the physical and financial costs of treatment for many diseases, and for improved chances of survival.
Which means this is a good time to remind men to learn more about being proactive for good physical and mental health, by:
- becoming more conscious of how they feel before symptoms become severe,
- working with a health care professional to keep track of their baseline health and risk factors,
- committing to having regular screenings, and
- being honest about what’s going on when they do see a healthcare professional.
Many cultures teach men that they need to be physically and emotionally strong, self-reliant, and that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Men may have limited healthcare awareness, feel uncomfortable talking about health, believe something will go away “on its own.” They may be afraid of getting a bad diagnosis which could lead to withholding information when they do go in for a check-up. Sometimes, it is just a matter of not being able to take time from work to have an appointment. But just as most men wouldn’t neglect to change the oil or air up the tires in their daily driver, and would definitely pop the hood if they felt it running rough, they should pay attention to the maintenance and symptoms of their body and mind.
What are some ways we can get men into the health care system earlier and more consistently for preventive care?
- Family can remind the men in their lives to make health lifestyle choices and get preventive screenings, letting them know how important it is for them to be there for important family milestones.
- Ask family and friends for references to help find a health care provider they feel comfortable with, one they will be willing to speak honestly to and take advise from.
- A family member can make the first appointment and accompany their relative, providing support and being in the loop of education and communication.
- Take advantage of telehealth options to start the process, some offer online or telephone consultations directly with providers, others may offer an online survey of symptoms and health history questions that can be done privately and then a provider will review and suggest a course of action. A great way to find these options is to check with your health insurance plan.
- Use reliable online sources to gain accurate information about diseases, testing, and explore health topics to feel prepared for a check-up, for example, MedlinePlus (which is part of the National Institute of Health Library of Medicine).
Mental health may be an even tougher subject for men to address, since the root beliefs about men being stoic and self-reliant are the same. Mental health issues can show up differently between women and men. For example, symptoms such as lack of enthusiasm for favorite activities, excessive sleep or insomnia, and feeling sad or hopeless are common signs of depression for all people. However, men may exhibit some behaviors that might not be recognized as signs of depression. These can include:
- Risky behavior such as reckless driving
- Escapist behavior such as spending a lot of time working or playing or watching sports
- Overuse/abuse of alcohol or drugs
- Controlling, abusive, or violent behavior
- Irritability or inappropriate anger
- Physical symptoms like pain, headaches, or digestive problems
Some of these behaviors or symptoms could indicate other mental health concerns, or be associated with medical conditions, which is another reason why it is so important to stay up to date with medical checkups. As long as depression is only understood as feeling sad, these other signs may be ignored. Men may also try to downplay the behaviors and resist talking to anyone or getting professional help. This attitude reduces the chances that trusted family and friends will be able to see symptoms that could result in suicide. Men are less likely to attempt suicide than women, but are more likely to die by suicide, possibly because they are less likely than women to seek help, and more likely to use lethal methods that are difficult to treat.
Man Therapy is an online resource specifically designed to address men’s mental health in ways that incorporate humor and stereotypical “man-specific” references. Using topics like jet skis, athletics, and fishing, Dr. Rich Mahogany (not a real therapist) guides the user through common concerns such as rage, anxiety, trauma (and many others) using articles, videos, flow charts, and testimonials. Man Therapy can be used by men who have concerns and women who are concerned about a loved one. Links to other resources and a list of providers are also part of the Man Therapy website.
NCHD has partnered with another online platform, CredibleMind, that offers more ways to explore mental health resources. Short assessments around a variety of topics offer a way to determine one’s own mental health strengths and struggles. Thousands of resources include podcasts, videos, articles, and book recommendations, and can be personalized and saved when a sign-in is created. The website is nchd.crediblemind.com and is available 24/7/365, can be used anonymously, and is completely confidential.
As we prepare for celebrating Father’s Day, keep in mind that the men in your circle may need a nudge to get up to date with their medical check-ups and start scheduling the routine preventive screenings that are appropriate for their age and risk factors.
