When a prominent public personality spoke about standing by her man a number of years ago, she was the target of significant public and private ridicule. However, considering the current health status of U.S. men it may well be the time for more of us to make a public commitment to stand by our men whether they are fathers, husbands, sons or other relatives and friends.
Data indicates that an increased risk of death and disease is associated with being male. Compared to women, men die younger, continue to suffer from preventable diseases and experience poor health outcomes needlessly. Further, they outnumber women in deaths due to violence and occupational accidents. They are also less likely to visit a physician or respond to health promotion / disease prevention messages. Men have been described as being, “out of sync with the health care system and out of sync with their own bodies”. There are enormous costs that are associated with their premature deaths and disabilities that impact families, employers and society as a whole. The cost of medical expenses is clearly a concern but the emotional and spiritual losses are as they would say ….. “priceless”.
Because a higher percentage of men do not have medical coverage, efforts to improve their status must include attention to economic and access issues. We must also work to change the world view of men in our society as it relates to health. The stoic attitude to pain and discomfort required for men is seen as a barrier by some experts and changes in these gender related norms will be difficult. Difficult for men and for women too, how often have we as mothers discouraged our sons from crying simply because they are boys and not girls? Regrettably, that translates into adult men who feel they must tolerate various discomforts like a man. My intent is not to be overly simplistic on this issue, as in the case of other health disparities the causes and concerns are complex. My hope is to raise awareness on what as been referred to as a “silent health crisis”. We need to be sensitive to the need to respond personally and professionally to the continuing poor health status of men in our communities. Additionally, we need to consider approaches that will engage men in health prevention efforts that are targeted at them so that they can be active and informed participants in protecting their health. On the more creative side, maybe we should have a, “Take Your Man to the Doctor Day”, during National Men’s Health Month each June… maybe next year?
