Encouraging men to open up about their health
The trouble with men’s health is they don’t talk about it.
Men are often reluctant to discuss physical and mental health concerns and will even avoid seeking medical help and advice because of stigma or potential embarrassment.
The overall effect of this ‘culture of silence’ can be that potentially serious and avoidable health conditions develop, when they could have been detected and treated more easily at an earlier stage, with better outcomes.
During Men’s Health Week (9-15 June), men are being encouraged to be more open about their health, whether with family members, friends or other people they feel comfortable talking to.
By speaking more openly, men can destigmatise health conditions, raise awareness among each other about important issues and learn about symptoms to be alert to.
It’s not just about seeking help for medical conditions. There’s a preventative side too. By sharing concerns, men can also discuss ways to manage their physical and mental health, to care for themselves better and, as a result, avoid becoming ill or suffering injury in the first place.
Dr Huw Thomas is a GP and a Board member of NHS Frimley, the organisation which plans and funds the majority of the NHS services provided to the area’s 850,000 people.
He said: “Men don’t tend to be open about their personal issues in general, including their health. That’s fairly normal but when it comes to health it can create problems for the individual.
“We know that catching serious health conditions early is incredibly important to being able to treat them successfully and to reduce the chances of there being lasting effects.
“I’d encourage all men to think about the bigger picture and be more open about their health. A simple conversation with a family member or friend today could save or change a life.”
As part of looking after their health, men are also encouraged to attend screening and vaccination appointments when they are invited to do so, such as cancer screening or flu or Covid vaccination. Invitations are issued to groups of people who are considered to be at higher risk of developing particular medical conditions, or they may be more vulnerable to certain infections, so taking up the invitations offers greater protection in the long term.