Most people will readily accept that sex and gender differences affect healthcare needs. But it’s also important to note how these impact healthcare behavior. A Kaiser survey found that men were more likely than women to have not seen a healthcare professional within the past two years, and men were less likely to access routine preventive screening. Other studies have found similar trends.
This June for Men’s Health Month, hospitals and health advocates are raising awareness on Twitter using the hashtags #MensHealthWeek and #MensHealthMonth. Do you have a reluctant male patient or a patient with a reluctant male in their life? Consider sharing some of these resources with them.
Reasons why men are less likely to visit the doctor than women include: too busy, nothing is wrong, the boy code to be tough and rough, and feeling uncomfortable. #MensHealthWeek #MensHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/t4bfIQurC9
— HHS OASH Region II (@HHS_HealthReg2) June 14, 2018
The purpose of #MensHealthMonth is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
— Dignity Health AZ (@DignityHealthAZ) June 19, 2018
Here in Arizona, Dignity Health works to provide health care that makes you feel bette… https://t.co/bc1uGj27rh pic.twitter.com/VdGNlglhdL
Mental health is also squarely in the spotlight this month, as high-profile men begin to disclose their struggles with depression and anxiety.
Do the men in your life have someone to talk to? 30% of men experience depression, yet only 1 in 4 actually talk about it. #MensHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/LSOE6oNJZ7
— NAMI Georgia (@namigeorgia) June 17, 2018
"These high-profile men have delivered a massive blow to the dangerous idea that mental health is a reflection of a person’s character. Or strength. Or worth." https://t.co/xaFlSn2Fh2 #MensHealthMonth
— Sandy Hook Promise (@sandyhook) June 19, 2018
Men with depression sometimes experience feelings of anger, irritability, or aggressiveness instead of feelings of sadness. @NIMHgov has more info: https://t.co/OMwlXsrwU4 #MensHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/6xMGtirKEO
— NIH Women's Health (@NIH_ORWH) June 12, 2018
In honor of June being #MensHealthMonth, we wanted to provide some quick facts about our male texters.
— Crisis Text Line (@CrisisTextLine) June 18, 2018
It's ok to not be ok. Men, text us at 741741 if you need support. pic.twitter.com/r0RhTZCz72
Advocates are highlighting health disparities impacting men and boys of color…
A new @APA report shows that boys and men of color and sexual minority males are among the unhealthiest people in America, partly due to systemic oppression and discrimination. https://t.co/MilvUo6TDz #MensHealthMonth pic.twitter.com/KxgXMyOn0I
— APA (@APA) June 18, 2018
One man shares with @sadeoyinade what he feels keeps some Black people from seeking therapy. Go to the link in our bio to learn more about @headspacetheseries & please contribute to our @indiegogo campaign! #mentalhealth #therapy #menshealthmonth #digitalseries #endthestigma pic.twitter.com/m7yJmD9JmJ
— HeadSpace the Series (@headspaceTVshow) June 13, 2018
…and LGBTQ males (June is also Pride Month)…
Last week I spoke about the difficulties and dangers of the current #TransHealthcare model for #transmen in Ireland for #MensHealthWeek
— Mike Kavanagh (@Mike_Drop_95) June 19, 2018
Yesterday @WHO announced the declassing of gender variance as a mental/behavioural disorder in ICD-11.
Our system is more & more outdated. https://t.co/HUveV6ZMpM
…as well as some unique attempts at health solutions.
Most men go to the barbershop for a trim or a shave. But one group of men in a study funded by @nih_nhlbi got something else: lower blood pressure. https://t.co/lhXt1pG4rr #MensHealthMonth #MHW18 pic.twitter.com/4uQyxM4d3N
— HHS.gov (@HHSGov) June 11, 2018
Health organizations are raising awareness of diseases that commonly afflict male patients…
Diabetes is more common in men and on current population trends, by 2035, 4.9 million people will have diabetes #menshealthweek #diabetesweek
— NHS C&C CCG (@NHSCCCCG) June 19, 2018
Certain people are at higher risk for developing an infection that could lead to sepsis, including people with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes. Learn how to prevent infections by talking with your provider. #GetAheadOfSepsis #menshealthmonth https://t.co/swbYaXygVd pic.twitter.com/JL7TsCQREt
— Dr. Robert R. Redfield (@CDCDirector) June 19, 2018
…as well as diseases that are unique to men.
We're running a mythbusters series in honor of #MensHealthMonth. Myth 3: You shouldn’t be concerned about #ED. Fact: Erectile dysfunction can signal more serious underlying conditions such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. https://t.co/F1nDpJlekl pic.twitter.com/uhAOcMJE2r
— BSC Urology (@bsc_urology) June 15, 2018
Men's Health and Prostate Cancer
— RiteCareClinic (@RiteCareClinic) June 19, 2018
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It is the 2nd leading cancer killer of men
Symptoms
-Trouble urinating
-Frequent urination
-Blood in semen
-Sexual Dysfunction https://t.co/nFpb2kzYxb
(more on FB)
#menshealthmonth #june pic.twitter.com/9DKwqpZDGf
Young men are not invincible. Fortunately, testicular cancer is often treatable when detected early. If you notice any abnormalities, contact your doctor right away. #MensHealthMonth #AdvancingCare pic.twitter.com/CF1SRPjPhO
— Westchester Medical (@WestchesterMed) June 19, 2018
Be sure to talk to your patients and remind them to get screened.
Do you have other tips and resources for colleagues or patients? Let us know in the comments below.
