The UK launches its first men’s health strategy, a move long overdue to address the alarming disparity in male mortality rates. Men are more likely to die prematurely due to heart disease, lung cancer, and accidents, with societal views on masculinity contributing to their poor health literacy.
The UK is set to launch its first men’s health strategy, a move that ‘is long overdue’ according to experts. Men are more likely to die prematurely than women, with heart disease, lung cancer, liver disease, and accidents claiming thousands of lives.
Men's health encompasses a wide range of physical and mental well-being aspects.
According to the World Health Organization, men are more likely to experience premature death due to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Regular exercise, balanced diet, and stress management can significantly reduce these risks.
Additionally, maintaining healthy relationships, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated also play a crucial role in overall men's health.
A major contributor to this disparity is the way society views masculinity. The idea of ‘machismo‘ can lead men to suppress their emotions and avoid seeking help when they need it. This can result in a lack of confidence and skills to engage with health services. As Andrew Harrison, founder of a men’s health clinic, notes, ‘Men are less health-literate, that is to say they don’t develop the skills to talk about their health and recognise and act on the signs.’
The Role of Risk-Taking Behaviour
Risk-taking behavior refers to actions taken by individuals that involve uncertainty and potential negative consequences.
Research suggests that risk-taking is often driven by personality traits, such as extraversion and openness to experience.
Studies have also shown that rewards can increase risk-taking, while punishments can decrease it.
Additionally, cultural and social factors, like family background and peer influence, play a significant role in shaping risk-taking behavior.
Men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviour, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs. These habits can lead to a range of serious health problems, including high cholesterol and blood pressure. According to Professor Alan White, ‘These are major contributors to the fact men have a lower life expectancy than women – by four years – and are nearly 60% more likely to die prematurely before the age of 75.’
Biological Factors
However, it’s not just lifestyle that plays a role in men’s poor health. There are also biological factors at play. For example, the male immune system is less able to fight off infection, making men more susceptible to illness.
Addressing the Issue
So what can be done to address this issue? One solution is to make healthcare services more accessible and user-friendly for men. This could include providing paid time off for health checks and delivering services in locations where blue-collar workers are employed.
Men's health access is often hindered by societal stigma, cultural norms, and lack of awareness.
Research suggests that men are less likely to visit doctors for routine check-ups, with only 53% of men reporting regular health check-ups compared to 64% of women.
This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as prostate cancer, which is more prevalent in men than breast cancer in women.
Addressing these disparities requires targeted public awareness campaigns and healthcare provider training.
Additionally, there needs to be a greater emphasis on mental health support for men. According to Professor Paul Galdas, ‘Men will open up and want to be engaged, but to do that you have to base it around actions and activities.’ This could involve initiatives such as exercise programs and support groups.
A Wake-Up Call
The launch of the UK‘s first men’s health strategy is a welcome move. However, it also serves as a wake-up call for men themselves. As Professor White notes, ‘There are some simple steps every man should consider.’ These include getting moving, talking to people, and seeking help when needed.
By taking these steps, men can improve their physical and mental health, reducing the risk of serious illness and premature death. It’s a message that needs to be heard loud and clear: men’s health matters, and it’s time for action.
