Five County Focus: Men’s health everyone’s concern


Men’s Health Week will be observed between June 9 — June 21; some activities will occur throughout that period — and hopefully, will be ongoing because the goal is not to improve men’s health for one week but for the long-term.

The purpose of Men’s Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. There is a need for men to start taking advantage of free health screenings, routine check-ups, and seeking treatment for problems before they become severe. There are low-cost clinics available for persons who have no health insurance, and there are programs which will help with purchase of medication.

Men are experiencing premature deaths from preventable problems such as diabetes, heart problems, stroke and cancer. Historically, men have been more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior such as driving fast, alcohol and drug use, fighting, and smoking (women are now competing). Historically, men have also been engaged in more dangerous occupations (construction, mining, law enforcement, farming, and other intense labor). Men’s health and life expectancy have been affected by military service more than women.

Men’s Health is also a Women’s Issue

According to the Blueprint for Men’s Health by Armin Brott and the Blueprint for Men’s Health Advisory Board, men’s health issues don’t affect only men; they have a significant impact on everyone around them. And because women live longer than men, they see their fathers, brothers, sons and husbands die prematurely.

The author points out that women, by passing on information and encouraging men to realize even the smallest symptom may be serious, you can help men to take a more active role in their health care.

Some of the keys to preventing health problems are: exercise; eating a high-fiber, low-fat diet; quitting smoking; doing monthly self-exams; getting regular medical check-ups. It is important to take even the smallest symptom seriously since it could indicate a more serious – or even life-threatening condition.

Some Warning Signs to Discuss with a Doctor

  • Change in bowel or bladder habits–such as getting up 5 times at night to go to the bathroom; changes in color of urine or stool;
  • Persistent back aches; recurrent chest pains or headaches;
  • A nagging cough;
  • Unexplained weight loss;
  • Changes in a wart or mole;
  • Extreme tiredness.
  • Depression–feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low self-worth, irritability and loss of interest in hobbies or pleasurable activities.
  • If you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate an emergency – such as chest pains, difficulty breathing, slurred speech, weakness on one side — call 911 without delay. Emergency medical technicians may be able to provide life-saving care while you are in route to the hospital or at the scene. If it is determined that it is not an emergency, remember it is better to be SAFE than SORRY.

    For routine care and prevention, if you don’t have a family physician or cannot afford one, take advantage of low-cost or free clinics, health fairs and free screening events.

    What does Men’s Health Week and Men’s Health Care have to do with Mental Health?

    Overall health and quality of life cannot be separated from mental and emotional health. In some cases, physical symptoms are directly related to depression – for example, aches and pains. In other cases, a serious illness sometimes triggers severe depression and suicide.

    Sometimes it is difficult for men to admit they are suffering from depression. However, it is estimated that depression affects over six million men in this country. It is not caused by weakness and it is not just a case of being “down in the dumps.” Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is treatable. Men are four times more likely than women to succeed in committing suicide. This risk of completing suicide increases in men who isolate themselves, use alcohol or illicit drugs, and have lost a spouse. If someone tells you they feel life is not worth living, call 911 or call the HELPLINE at 1.877.619.3761.

    Symptoms of Depression
    (in general, if experienced for two weeks or more):

  • Depressed mood;
  • Inability to enjoy activities;
  • Problems concentrating;
  • Changes in eating habits or appetite;
  • Weight gain or weight loss;
  • Changes in sleeping habits;
  • Difficulty going to work or taking care of your daily responsibilities because of a lack of energy;
  • Feelings of guilt and hopelessness; wondering if life is worth living (common);
  • Slowed thoughts and speech;
  • Preoccupation with thoughts of death or suicide.
  • Stress Management

    Men suffer from stress, especially pertaining to health problems and going to the doctor. Stress may be related to retirement, financial problems, relationship problems, inadequate nutrition, sleep problems, and death of a relative or friend. Take care of yourself by managing your stress:

    Helpful Ways to Handle Stress

  • Reach out for help. Talk to your doctor, social worker, pastor or other trusted helper;
  • Exercise, eat healthy meals, and try to get plenty of rest;
  • Do not spend long periods of time in extreme heat (or cold); talk to the Department of Social Services, Senior Center staff, or your church if you are experiencing difficulty;
  • Know your limits;
  • Let someone know if you are being mistreated or threatened;
  • Pay what you can on your debts and communicate with the company you owe.
  • Resources available from Five County Mental Health Authority:

    HELPLINE — Call 1-877-619-3761

    Call free, 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to a counselor if you need mental health services or help with addiction to alcohol or drugs. This telephone number serves Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Vance and Warren Counties.

    Network of Care — Online Resource which includes many health services;

    List of Low-Cost Health Service Providers

    Information about Stress Affecting Military Personnel and Families

    List of AA, NA, Alanon, and other Support Groups

    References:

    The Men’s Health Network (MHN) is a non-profit, educational organization comprised of physicians, researchers, public health workers, individuals and other health professionals working to provide better programs and funding for men’s health needs.

    For more info, contact P.O. Box 75972, Washington, DC 20013
    Telephone — 202.543.6461, ext. 101; Fax — 202.543.2727; Email: www.menshealth.org

    A book from the Men’s Health Network, Blueprint for Men’s Health: A Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle, may be read on the Internet and printed.

    Cynthia Fenner, Community Outreach, Five County Mental Health Authority. Contact: 1-877-619-3761 or (252) 430-3048; Email: cfenner@fivecountymha.org.