The Concern of Men’s Health in the U.S.: What Employers Can Do.

Why are we discussing men’s health today?

We talk about it because it matters – to individuals, families, communities, and indeed, businesses. Men in the U.S. have higher mortality rates than women across the top 10 causes of death. Alarmingly, throughout their adult life, men in the U.S. generally have fewer routine check-ins with healthcare systems compared to women.

The crisis of men’s health is compounded by the stigma of discussing health issues and the pervasive ‘tough it out’ mentality. These hurdles contribute to the silence surrounding men’s health.

The support for men’s health isn’t just for Men’s Health Month – it’s a year-round concern.

Do you know how many of your male employees won’t make it to retirement? One in five men die before the age of 65. Considering that men make up a large portion of the workforce, this is a major concern for all businesses.

What is men’s health?

The traditional image of men’s health often focuses on physical fitness and specific male-related diseases. However, most health problems faced by men are from diseases experienced by both sexes that unfortunately hit men harder.

Men’s health encompasses heart disease. More than half of the premature deaths from coronary heart disease are male. It kills more men than women, and on average men develop it 10-15 years earlier.

Men’s health involves cancer. Men have a 22% higher risk of dying from cancer and a 50% higher chance of dying from cancers that affect both men and women.

Men’s health deals with weight. Nearly three-quarters of American men are overweight. Middle-aged men are twice as likely to have diabetes as women and twice as likely to be unaware of it.

And, men’s health relates to mental health. Men account for nearly 70% of suicides. Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under 45 and there has been a sharp increase among men aged 35-64.

Why is men’s health so poor?

The issue of suicide effectively illustrates the problem. When we look at the statistics for treatment for mental health problems, they almost reverse those for suicide – women make up the majority of those undergoing therapy.

The difference in male and female life expectancy is not solely biological. Lifestyle, access to services, and social expectations play significant roles.

To improve men’s health, businesses should:

• Promote healthier lifestyle choices among all staff, especially men.
• Remove the barriers to men accessing health services, both systemic and self-imposed
• Discuss health in a way that emphasizes positive aspects of ‘masculinity’ such as responsibility for family, rather than reinforcing the stereotypes of stoicism and neglect of personal health.

Men’s health begins at work

Work is a significant aspect of many men’s identities. Hence, initiatives to improve men’s health should start in the workplace.

It’s a misconception that men are less likely to visit a doctor than women. In reality, retired men are just as likely to see a doctor as retired women. The disparity lies among men of working age – it’s not about men, it’s about work.

Men are more likely to work full-time and so are less able to access services that are only available during working hours. 

To address the problem of men’s health, organizations can take these steps:

Personalize support

• Audit your resources – how many are designed with men in mind? Look at the representation of men in your materials.
• Men and women interact with healthcare differently – engage men using a bit of irreverence and humor.
• Language matters – use terms like ‘stress’ rather than ‘depression’ or ‘anxiety’, and ‘benefits’ or ‘perks’ instead of ‘healthcare’.
• Remember that men are diverse – don’t rely on stereotypes, be inclusive to all who identify as male.

Increase accessibility

• Offer easy-to-use, convenient, confidential, and most importantly, anonymous services.
• Consider digital solutions – men may prefer a virtual relationship with health professionals, especially given constraints like long hours, weekends, and shift work.
• Peppy’s Men’s Health service, for instance, connects users via a secure mobile app to leading men’s health practitioners anytime, anywhere, anonymously.

Start talking

• Organizations like Men’s Health Network are advocating more conversation. Movember suggests using ALEC (Ask, Listen, Encourage Action and Check-in) for tough discussions.
• Set aside time for non-work-related catch-ups for all colleagues, including men.
• Use anonymous surveys to understand how employees really feel, especially when working remotely.
• Support employees through networks based on disability, age, gender, race – these aren’t ‘soft’ topics, they matter.
• Ask your colleagues what they want.

Use healthy competition

• Non-health related events, like sponsored runs or sports days, can start conversations about health in a casual context.
• Use the competitive spirit to encourage healthy lifestyle choices – introduce team competitions, leader boards, etc.

Lead by example

• Encourage open discussions and partake in them yourself – leaders talking about their challenges can help break down stigma.
• Promote a healthy working culture – for instance, encourage employees to take lunch breaks, use leave, and manage their email habits.
• Use the services yourself to challenge the notion that seeking help is a sign of weakness.

To learn more about Peppy’s Specialized Men’s Health service, book a call.