Men's Health at UNH
Men utilize our programs and services much less often than women. Would this suggest that it's more difficult for men to ask for help? Maybe. Culturally, there have been few norms that encourage and support men in asking for help from others. To do this would require a certain level of vulnerability, a generally off-limits experience for many men in our culture. Is this true for all men? Definitely not. Individually, men seem more able to express themselves, whether it be asking for help or sharing their feelings. In a group setting, however, the social expectations for men seem to change and make it more difficult for men to express feelings or ask for help.
How these cultural norms affect the lives of men (and the lives of those who care about men) are significant. Will Courtney, a Men's Health expert, suggests that the following challenge men's optimal health:
- Men have a difficult time adopting health-promoting behavior. Example- men are significantly less likely to practice TSE (testicular self-exam) than women are to practice BSE (breast self-exam).
- Men generally take greater risks that women do. Example- only one third to one half of sexually active college men routinely use condoms.
- Men who adopt traditional attitudes about manhood have more anxiety and poorer health habits than men with less traditional attitudes.
- Men conceal vulnerability. Example- 75% of college men in one study delayed getting treatment for an STI (sexually transmitted infection) from 2-6 months after they developed symptoms.
- Perceived invulnerability- Most American men believe that their health is excellent, in spite of their higher risks.
- Socialization- men and boys receive many contradictory messages about health as they are growing up. Some boys and men hear “boy’s don’t cry,” while others hear “express your feelings.”
Here’s some of what we can all do to help men be and stay healthy:
- Provide clear and consistent messages to men about what constitutes good health.
- Teach men the value of vulnerability and of expressing feelings (isn't it an act of courage to express how you feel when you've learned that to express how you feel is taboo?)
- Encourage men to find ways to honor and respect others. Help them understand that this experience is a reflection of their own sense of honor and self-respect.
- Listen to men. This will let them know that you care about them, and it will also provide good role-modeling on this important life skill.
- Encourage men to express what is in their hearts and minds.
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