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I think that there should be an Office of Research on Men's Health similar to the one for women. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM, 2014), “there are health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face, like colon cancer or heart disease can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis” (NLM, 2014). It is important for the men to seek treatment and get the proper diagnosis for these preventable conditions.
In a world based on equality, it is interesting that people would oppose an institute on men’s health. Many health websites have special sections for women, teens, and infants, but nothing specifically related to the health care for men. It is true that a large amount of health research is performed on men; however, these clinical trials pay the subjects to participate in these studies to test new medicines and treatments. These trials in no way represent a comprehensive health regime and should not be deemed as proper health care.
Men’s health is very important to their livelihood. The National Library of Medicine states that “compared to women, men are more likely to smoke, drink, and put off regular checkups and medical care” (NLM, 2014). Being aware of these statistics, it is important for medical professionals to focus on men’s health. It is just as important to find ways to get men to seek preventative care.
Health education professionals must also create campaigns which will outline the benefits of preventative care and eliminate the stigmas of getting healthcare. Some people might think that a man going to the doctor represents weakness. This stigma needs to be addressed and the stereotype debunked. Health care professionals must create promotional materials that stress the benefits of preventative services (increase life expectancy, cancer prevention etc.). The men will see that the benefits outweigh the shame or stereotypes associated with receiving health care.
Another strategy to get men to seek preventative care is to get their family members (wives, partners, etc.) involved in the care. Davis explains that “men, in general, seem to ignore health issues until they become noticeable to others e.g. wife, family, or friends” (Davis, 2014). If the man sees that his health is considered a priority and that everyone around him is involved in making sure he is healthy, he would be more likely to go to the doctor.
Implementing incentives is always a good idea in health care. Some might argue that health professionals should not “pay” people for going to the doctor. With the number of men not seeing doctors on a regular basis, it is essential to take a different approach. Incentives would reward men for taking a role in their health care. Health specialist should offer complimentary health gifts, free screenings raffles for men maintaining regular preventative care.
The last strategy for getting men to seek preventative care is to incorporate outreach programs. Health care professionals could implement health fairs at worksites, community organizations and gyms. Men could come and get health information, sign up for health services and get free blood pressure checks or other routine services.
References
Davis, C. (2014, January 1). Men's Health: Learn About Diets, Workouts
and Prevention (J. Balentine, Ed.). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/mens_health/article_em.htm#mens_health_overview
Men's Health: MedlinePlus. (2014, April 28). Retrieved November 20, 2014, from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menshealth.html
