The Unspoken Crisis, in Men's Health; Revealing the Truth and Advocating for Change.
Steve Carr BCA(h)
?? Multi-Award-Winning Mental Health, Suicide First Aid & Well-being Facilitator | ?? Keynote Speaker | ???? Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation Practitioner | ???British Citizen Award (BCAh) 2025
Even though companies prioritise diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace, there is an aspect that often gets overlooked- men's health.
Neglecting this aspect can have far-reaching consequences not only on male employees but also on the overall fabric of organisations.
The Harsh Reality; Men's Health in Numbers.
Recent statistics present a picture of men's health. According to the World Health Organization men are more prone to premature death from communicable diseases and road accidents compared to women.
In the United States, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men, with one out of every four deaths attributed to this killer (CDC, 2023).
Cancer also poses a threat, as per the American Cancer Society data. In 2023, prostate cancer is projected to account for 27% of all new cancer diagnoses among men.
Mental health is another area of concern, with suicide rates among men being 3.63 times higher than those among women (NIMH, 2023).
These unsettling figures are compounded by a culture that promotes silence and stoicism, discouraging men from seeking help or opening up about their health worries.
The Workplace Wellbeing Dilemma.
Workplaces are not immune to these trends. According to a report by Corporate Health Management (2022) men are often less likely to participate in health and wellness programs due to a combination of factors, including the absence of tailored initiatives and the persistent stigma surrounding vulnerability.
As a result, not only do male employees face health risks, but businesses also experience tangible repercussions such as decreased productivity, higher rates of absenteeism and increased healthcare expenses.
Bridging the Gap; Strategies for Bringing about Change.
1. Customised Health Programs
Organizations can lead the way in bringing about change by implementing health programs that specifically target the challenges faced by men. An excellent example is Movember an event where individuals grow moustaches during November to raise awareness about men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's suicide.
2. Support for Mental Health
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Creating an environment where men feel that discussing and addressing their wellbeing is crucial. Regular workshops and confidential counselling services can play a role in breaking down stigmas surrounding health. Companies like Headspace have made progress with their programs that prioritise mental wellbeing.
3. Routine Health Checkups
Taking measures like health screenings can detect diseases, like cancer, at early stages, leading to significantly improved treatment success rates.
Workplaces have the potential to facilitate health screenings, making them convenient and normalised for employees.
4. Focus on Fitness and Nutrition
Physical wellbeing is closely tied to health. Encouraging activity and promoting nutrition through corporate challenges can be both engaging and beneficial. Google's wellness and fitness programs on their premises set an example in this regard.
5. Active Involvement of Leaders
When company leaders actively participate in health initiatives and openly share their experiences, it can inspire employees to follow suit. The involvement of leadership demonstrates a commitment to health. It also has an impact on shaping company culture.
Conclusion: Advocating Awareness and Taking Action
The consequences of men's health issues go beyond impact and affect wider societal structures. By raising awareness, investing in education and proactive interventions, we can transform workplaces into strongholds for men's health.
If you would like to discuss proactive and reactive mental health and wellbeing interventions, get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mindcanyon.co.uk
References:
Ex-IBM Futurist, Best Selling Author, Expert Talk Contributor and Entrepreneur
1 年You make some great points here Steve I also think culture makes a big impact. Unfortunately, there is still a culture of alcohol and Netflix and chill to de-stress, men say nothing about how they are feeling...there are now lots of apps and ways to monitor happiness... However, people are in essence lazy. Sorry to say but I think we all need to get behind exercise regimes and in fact encourage more people to find healthy hobbies rather than prescribing medication for unnecessary things that could be avoided with a healthy diet and exercise. There is no instant quick fix to this and of course, underlying medical conditions exist and mental health problems that warrant medication. Perhaps before giving people medication, they should ask how many hours a week they exercise and encourage more of that. I also think that people need to understand that they may not be happy all the time and to actually reach out to someone who may listen...we are so much better connected but further apart in many ways. As a lifelong martial artist, I am biased towards that approach but for some, it may not be possible, those are my current thoughts and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Men: Prioritise Your Wellbeing Guilt Free | Take Command of Your Life For Clarity, Control & A Life That Feels as Good as it Looks | Peak Performance & Rapid Results Coach | Motivational speaker.
1 年I would also make the point Steve Carr that mental health and physical health are linked, heart disease will be exacerbated by stress, poor mental health leads to poor physical health, I know because I've been there. I'm glad you are writing about this stuff now because men do feel left behind and forgotten.
Psychotherapist & Founder @ M-Path & Handlemodeller | Developing men’s mental health, emotional intelligence & inclusion.
1 年Spot on, Steve. Inclusion isn’t inclusive if men feel left out.