In a recently published article from Tri-City Medical Center, about 20 percent of men admit to going to the doctor simply to get a loved one to stop bothering them. The month of June is dedicated to encouraging men to manage their healthcare, seek medical care at every stage of life, and raise awareness about men’s health. An even more concerted effort for men’s health is made in the week leading up to Father’s Day.
The list of greatest threats to men’s health is surprisingly short. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top causes of death among adult men in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, and unintentional injuries. Many of these threats are extremely manageable, starting with maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, abstaining from tobacco products, and being aware of surroundings. These four things are a great start toward leading a healthy productive, and enjoyable lifestyle.
A great ally in the health journey of men can be a trusted doctor. In a recent survey from Healthline and Cleveland Clinic’s MENtion It campaign, 72 percent of men said they would rather do household chores than go to the doctor, 65 percent said they avoid seeking medical care as long as possible, and 37 percent said that even when visiting, they have withheld information from their doctor. Experts say this is a continual issue, and to change these statistics, we must shift the way men view medical care. A few of the main reasons men put off visiting their doctor are fear of diagnosis, superhero syndrome, and emotional discomfort being vulnerable. Doctors and experts across the country are coming up with unique ways to make men feel more comfortable visiting their physician, and BioIQ can help by providing tests and preventative screenings that can be taken from the comfort of home.
We are making a positive contribution to the health of men with our Heart Health Panel and Wellness Panel. These digital solutions combine artificial intelligence, population insights, and assistive care navigation with a network of fully integrated services onto one technology platform. Whether you are a health plan, employer, or government entity, we are ready and eager to partner with you. BioIQ offers a variety of tests and preventative screenings outside of these two panels, which can all be done right from home.
Two other important tests for men are prostate and colonoscopy exams, which are both recommended starting at the age of 50. 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 1 in 23 will be diagnosed with colon cancer in his lifetime. These are two of the most common cancer deaths for men, but both can also be highly curable when detected early, thus reinforcing the importance of preventative screenings and tests along with the annual physical.
So how do we encourage the men we know to take better care of themselves? Though the “nag your loved one” method may work occasionally, it is not likely to be effective long-term. As the millennial generation has come into adulthood, they are more proactive about their health. This is thanks to the ease of research that the internet provides, but we still have ground to cover as traditional views of men managing their healthcare evolves.