In recent years, there has been an emphasis placed on the need for gender specific health. Now more than ever, men’s health is being brought into the spotlight, and for good reason:
- Two thirds of all deaths due to cardiovascular causes are in men
- Men have a 14% increased chance of developing cancer when compared to women, and a 37% higher chance of dying from it. 67% of lung cancer deaths are in men, and 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer
- 58% of deaths from diabetes are in men
- Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 50, and men are 3 times more likely to die from suicide than women
- 1 in 5 men will die before the age of 50
- 75% of all premature deaths (before age 75) are in men
There are several factors that have led to these statistics. For example, men are less likely to be aware of the health impacts of a poor diet. They are more likely than women to be overweight. Men are more likely to smoke, and to drink alcohol at hazardous levels. They are also less likely to seek out support when it may be needed.
Raising awareness of men’s health issues
Men make up 60% of the UK’s workforce, and therefore raising awareness of the health issues that may impact them will benefit both the individuals and an employer. Improving the health of employees will reduce the risk of sickness absence, increase productivity and reduce staff turnover. There are various ways in which awareness can be raised including regular staff emails or newsletters, webinars, guest speakers, workshops and posters, for example.
Making a difference
Employers can help men to take positive steps in improving their health. Access to Wellness programmes have been shown to be beneficial, such as an Employee Assistance Programme. Having healthy food options within the work environment allows for better choices to be made during the working day. Advice and support can be provided to help reduce alcohol intake and to stop smoking, both of which will reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. In a study undertaken around exercise, men reported that the biggest barrier to increasing their physical activity was work commitments, and flexible working options can therefore have a positive impact on health. Allowing flexibility to attend medical appointments can also help to encourage men to seek out support when needed.
Reducing the stigma
Regularly discussing issues related to men’s health helps to reduce the stigma, and encourage men to take charge of their wellbeing. Seniors speaking out about their experiences with health can encourage others to do the same. Assigning a ‘Men’s Health Champion’ allows for peer support in the workplace. Please contact us if you need professional medical advice about improving men’s health in your organisation.
Resources
https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/how-improve-mens-health-work
https://www.manhealth.org.uk/
https://headsupguys.org/
https://prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4c_DoP6FiQMV3olQBh17wwCnEAAYASAAEgLwcPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/tips-on-cutting-down-alcohol/
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
