Men’s Health – Overcoming Barriers and Prioritizing Well-Being
In a recent episode of “Between Two White Coats,” we discussed the barriers men face in seeking healthcare and prioritizing their well-being with Michael Bruner, one of our nurse practitioners and Wellness Center Director. This blog post discusses a few of the common barriers and how to overcome them.
Barriers to Men’s Healthcare
Men often face two significant barriers when seeking healthcare: a lack of control and societal expectations. Many men associate healthcare settings with loss of control. They are often unfamiliar with medical terminology and may be navigating fears they aren’t sure how to manage, such as a fear of needles. This apprehension can prevent them from taking the necessary steps to maintain their health.
Societal expectations often pressure men to “suck it up” and avoid seeking help, whether it’s for physical ailments or mental health concerns. This stigma surrounding help-seeking can hinder men from addressing health issues early on and taking proactive measures for their well-being.
Empowering Men to Take Control
To overcome these barriers, it’s crucial that men feel empowered in their healthcare journeys. Our Family Health seeks to provide men with knowledge and resources so they can collaboratively approach their health with their medical providers. Building a trusting relationship with their primary care providers is essential in allowing men to participate in their care and make informed choices actively. If you don’t have a primary care provider, establishing care with a provider is essential in taking control of your health. Alongside visits with our medical providers, Our Family Health’s podcast episodes, newsletter, and social media posts are anchored in providing information about health and wellness.
Preventative Care – The Key to Better Health
Annual wellness visits play a vital role in maintaining good health. These visits allow for discussing preventive measures tailored to each individual’s needs. Preventative screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle adjustments can mitigate potential health issues and help keep men healthy. Heart disease and diabetes are among the leading causes of death among men, both of which are routinely screened for in annual wellness visits. Schedule your annual wellness visit today by requesting an appointment online or contacting our office in Monroe at 770-464-0280.
Mental Health Matters
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, often overlooked by men. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions may present differently in men, leading to irritability, anger, or emotional withdrawal. It is essential to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about emotions and struggles. Seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of strength, not weakness. For additional support, please meet with your medical provider. Our podcast episodes about depression and anxiety featuring licensed mental health professionals may also be helpful.
Taking Action
We encourage men to prioritize their physical and mental health as it directly impacts their personal and professional lives. If you need additional support, your medical provider is an excellent resource to help you create a plan to address your mental health concerns. Addressing mental health concerns allows men to foster healthy relationships, perform better at work, and create a nurturing home environment. Please remember taking control of your health is a courageous act, and seeking help is a sign of strength.