Men find it hard to ask for help from a doctor when they have been brought up to believe to believe that they must be strong and tough, and behave as if they are indestructible. This makes it hard for them to look after their health; in fact, it encourages risk-taking behaviours such as smoking, excessive drinking and dangerous driving.
Lots of men do not visit the doctor because they shrug off their symptoms either as bravado or just because it does not seem significant. Funny really because the stereotype is that we get man-flu and think things are worse than they really are so you would expect them to be going more than women. However Men have some in-built biological problems. The male sex hormone testosterone may raise the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the “bad” type of cholesterol that increases the risk of heart disease. Also, when men put on weight, fat tends to build up around the waist, the worst possible place in terms of developing the furred-up arteries that cause heart problems..
Because men do not menstruate they lack a mechanism that regularly and naturally makes them feel aware of, and in touch with, their bodies.What is more, mens reproductive systems means that they do not have to stay in regular contact with healthcare services. They do not need to see a doctor to obtain contraception and, of course, they do not get pregnant.
Health services have not done much to encourage men to look after their health. Most G P’s surgeries are still open only at times when men are likely to be at work, for example, and often do not feel like male-friendly places.
There has also been chronic under-investment in research into male specific problems especially prostate disease. Long-term conditions in men are badly managed by health professionals and mens health does not always feature in local NHS health plans Few work places adopt mens health initiatives and little health information is available in formats that men find accessible.Young men in particular can be a notoriously hard group to reach. We should always remember that giving out messages via simple easily understood information could save lives.
Generally women are better than men at talking and acting on health issues. Men tend not to talk about health, Managing stress is very different by sex Women often seek support to talk out the emotional experience, to process what is happening and what might be done Whether its friends, family, or a support group, women like to tell their stories. Men tend not to talk about health .Eight years ago a survey found that men like to talk about sport, women, cars. Even politics is more popular than health issues.
Men often seek an escape activity to get relief from stress, to create a relaxing diversion, to get away. Golfing is a common example of how men escape They are acting out their stressful energy in a challenging way while enjoying the companionship of other men. However they typically, do not take time out of a round of golf to discuss their feelings or stress amongst each other.
Health providers should start ensuring that that the male population understand the importance of protecting their health by providing more male targeted health programmes. creating more men friendly walk in establishments with information conveyed in a relaxed atmosphere. If this were to occur I am certain that mens behaviour would change also. Subsequently early diagnosis would save lives
Lauren Robb is a health care professional and an author .For information regarding gender specific health issues and products that offer solutions. Find out more at libido