The long-awaited men’s health strategy consultation is set to be launched by the government in England this month, as men are significantly more likely to die prematurely than women, according to experts. The challenges surrounding men’s health often involve risk-taking behavior, as seen in an anecdote shared by Andrew Harrison, who ran a men’s health clinic in Bradford. The story of a young man scaling a building for condoms highlights the combination of risky behaviors and a lack of confidence in engaging with health services.
In the UK, men are more prone to smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and having high cholesterol and blood pressure. These factors contribute to men having a lower life expectancy than women, facing a higher risk of premature death before the age of 75. Professor Alan White, founder of the Men’s Health Forum charity, stresses the seriousness of the issue, pointing out the disproportionate number of men who lost their lives to Covid during the pandemic. He emphasizes that blaming men’s poor health solely on lifestyle choices oversimplifies a more intricate issue.
Mark Brooks, policy advisor for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Men’s and Boys Issues, highlights the role of societal expectations of masculinity in men’s health. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the impact of deprivation on men’s health, particularly in disadvantaged communities and blue-collar work sectors. To improve health outcomes, Brooks suggests initiatives such as offering paid time off for health checks and delivering services in workplaces where blue-collar workers are employed.
While challenges persist in men’s health, initiatives such as mental fitness programs and local activity-based schemes aim to engage men in improving their well-being. Professor Paul Galdas, a men’s health expert, stresses the importance of practical actions and activities in promoting men’s health. He highlights the significance of supporting men in understanding how their behaviors affect their mental health and setting goals for healthy activities. As efforts to address men’s health continue to evolve, a national men’s health strategy is seen as essential for further progress and awareness in this critical area
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