MEN ( noun )
The one who takes responsibility of all but ignore himself majorly.
Today let us all start changing the narrative of Men will Always be Men!
Every year in June, Men's Health Awareness Month is observed.It acts as a designated period to educate people about a variety of health conditions that mostly affect males and motivate them to take preventative measures to maintain their health and to change the narrative of Mard ko Dard nahi hota! ♂️
Today, I want to raise awareness of prevalent health issues among men, encourage early detection and prevention, and promote healthy lifestyle decisions.
In order to raise awareness of specific men's health issues, organisations, healthcare professionals, and communities frequently plan events, initiatives, and awareness campaigns during Men's Health Awareness Month.
Let us take a look at some specific health topics relevant to men, which I have categorized according to the age group:
1. Young Adults (18 to 30 years old ) ⛹🏻
- Testicular health and self-examinations for young adults
- Sexual well-being, which includes avoiding STIs and using safe sexual practises
- Stress management and mental wellness
- Preventing drug abuse and addiction
- Diet and preserving a healthy weight
- Exercise regimens and fitness
2. Adults (aged 30 to 50): 👨👦👦
- Prostate cancer screening and general prostate health
- Cardiovascular health, which includes observing cholesterol and blood pressure levels
- Diabetes management and prevention
- Depression and anxiety-related mental health conditions
- Maintaining a healthy weight and adopting good eating practises - Exercising frequently and leading an active lifestyle
- Addressing sleep problems and sleep quality issues
3. Older adults (50+ years): 👴🏻
- Prostate health and prostate cancer monitoring
- Colorectal health and routine examinations
- Cardiovascular wellness and heart disease prevention
- Bone health and osteoporosis prevention
- Screenings for hearing and vision
- Mental health, Cognitive health and addressing age related memory decline.
Men in India also deal with a variety of particular health issues that are driven by environmental, economical, and cultural factors.
The following significant health concerns are especially important for Indian men:
1. Cardiovascular conditions - ❤️
One of the main causes of death for Indian males is heart disease, which includes coronary artery disease and hypertension. The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses is attributed to a number of factors, including sedentary lifestyles, bad diets, tobacco use, high levels of stress, and hereditary susceptibility.
2. Alcohol and Tobacco Use - 🍻 🚬
Smoking and chewing tobacco are popular vices among Indian males, and they greatly raise their chance of developing a number of illnesses, including as lung cancer, oral cancer, respiratory conditions, and cardiovascular ailments. Excessive alcohol intake can result in liver conditions and other related diseases.
3. Mental Health - 🧠
In Indian society, mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and stress-related diseases are frequently disregarded and stigmatised. Due to traditional ideals of masculinity and the stigma associated with mental illness, men may encounter additional difficulties in getting help or talking about their mental health concerns.
4. Prostate Health - 👖🩳
Male Indians frequently develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) and prostate cancer. For early detection and effective care, routine prostate screenings and knowledge of symptoms are crucial.
5. Sexual & Reproductive Health - ♀️♂️
Males in India have serious worries about sexual health issues, such as erectile dysfunction and STDs. Men experience difficulties in this area due to a lack of knowledge, cultural taboos, and restricted access to healthcare treatment.
6. Occupational Hazards - 🏭
Men in India frequently work in hazardous sectors such as construction, mining, and manufacturing. Accidents, injuries, respiratory difficulties, and exposure to harmful chemicals can all result from occupational dangers, negatively influencing men's general health and well-being.
7. Malnutrition and Obesity - 🍔🌮🌭
In India, both malnutrition and obesity are caused by poor nutrition and unbalanced diets. Obesity and related health disorders are becoming more common due to a lack of understanding about appropriate eating habits, restricted availability to nutritional food, and sedentary lifestyles.
To address these health difficulties, a multifaceted strategy is required, including raising awareness, improving access to healthcare services, supporting healthy lifestyle choices, and addressing cultural conventions and stigmas around men's health issues.
Men in India must prioritise their health and undergo frequent check-ups, and no not to only feed our pockets but for yourself. The subsequent significant points underline the need of men getting regular health checks:
- Early identification of possible health problems
- Prevention of diseases and consequences through care.
- Individualised care based on each patient's health needs
- Monitoring crucial indicators to allow for prompt response - Evaluating and resolving mental health issues
- Forming a long-term partnership with healthcare professionals
- Health resources, advice, and education
- Constant observation to control long-term health issues
- Mindfulness and a proactive approach to wellbeing - Setting a good example for others by putting your health first.
- Maintaining excellent health, spotting issues early, and obtaining the care and direction you need all depend on getting regular examinations.
And inspite of knowing this general knowledge, men's desire to seek medical care or publicly share their health issues can be strongly influenced by societal obstacles and stigmas. Among these hurdles and stigmas are:
1. Masculinity Norms -
Traditional gender norms and society expectations frequently place a premium on males being strong, self-sufficient, and rugged. getting aid or disclosing health difficulties might be interpreted as a show of weakness or vulnerability, which can discourage men from getting medical attention.
2. Log kya Kahenge -
Men may be afraid of being judged by others if they display vulnerability or admit to having health difficulties. This fear of being judged stems from society expectations that men should be strong, independent, and in control of their emotions and health.
3. Mental Health Stigma:
Mental health disorders are frequently stigmatised in various nations, including India. Men may be hesitant to communicate their mental health difficulties for fear of being stigmatised or discriminated against.
4. Lack of Awareness:
A lack of knowledge about specific health conditions and available healthcare services might prevent people from seeking treatment. Men may lack proper knowledge or underestimate the value of preventative healthcare and frequent check-ups.
5. Financial Constraints:
Economic constraints can limit men's capacity to seek medical assistance. Men may be discouraged from seeking healthcare due to a lack of financial means or health insurance coverage.
To overcome these challenges and stigmas, healthcare practitioners, legislators, communities, and individuals must work together.
Which is why I strongly feel the urge to propose few solutions to my readers to -
1. Increasing men's health awareness and education via public health initiatives and community outreach programmes.
2. Promoting open dialogue on men's health, mental health, and getting assistance through the media, social media, and community support groups.
3. Making healthcare services, particularly mental health resources, more accessible and inexpensive so that men may seek help without financial constraints.
4. To create an atmosphere where men feel safe expressing their health problems and getting medical treatment, we are challenging and redefining traditional conventions around masculinity.
5. Involving healthcare professionals and organisations in actively engaging men in their healthcare by creating a secure and non-judgmental environment for dialogue.
By employing these techniques, we can foster a culture in which men feel empowered to prioritise their health, get frequent check-ups, and make beneficial lifestyle adjustments. This, in turn, will lead to better overall health outcomes and well-being for males.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about men's health, or needs help, do not hesitate to connect with me!It's always a good idea to talk with a healthcare expert!
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