Men’s health is a big deal, and it's more than just hitting the gym or getting an annual check-up. It’s about taking care of your whole self – body and mind.
Even though we’ve made strides in raising awareness and improving support, guys still face some tough challenges. Let’s dive into what these are and what we can do about them.
What Are the Main Challenges?
Heart Health: 1 in 7 men die from coronary heart disease. A lot of it comes down to diet, exercise (or lack thereof), smoking, and drinking too much.
Mental Health: Men often struggle in silence with depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Society's “tough guy” expectations make it hard for men to seek help. Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK, yet only a third of all NHS referrals for psychological therapies are for men.
Prostate Problems: 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. If you’re over 50, or you’re black, or your dad or brother had it, you’re at even higher risk. It’s is not always life-threatening, but it’s important to catch it early.
Diabetes: Men are more likely to get type 2 diabetes, especially with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle thrown into the mix.
Substance Abuse: Men tend to drink and use drugs more than women, leading to all sorts of health issues from liver disease to mental health problems. A third of men in their 40s and 50s regularly drink more than the weekly recommended limit.
What Can We Do About It?
Healthy Living: It’s all about the basics – eat well, move more, don’t smoke, and keep the drinking in check. Simple changes make a huge difference. Get your friends, family, and colleagues involved. Hire a coach and take the first step towards improvement together.
Mental Health Matters: It’s okay not to be okay. Opening up about mental health and finding support can be life-changing and even life-saving. Look for resources at work, in your community, or online. Get therapy if you need it, there’s no shame in this.
Regular Check-Ups: Don’t skip those doctor visits. Screenings for things like prostate cancer, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are crucial. Early detection is key, so get those appointments on the calendar. When was your last check up?
Supportive Environments: Push for policies at work and in your community that support health – think flexible work hours, stress management resources, and easy access to healthcare. Taking time off for medical and mental health appointments should be encouraged and supported.
Taking charge of your health isn’t just about adding years to your life – it’s about adding life to your years. Ask yourself - if you continue on your current lifestyle, where is your health going to be in 10 years? Is that a positive image? If you’ve been meaning to take action, now’s the time.
Now’s the time to start giving your physical and mental health the attention it deserves.
Now’s the time to move past the “It’ll be fine” and “I’ll start next month” mentality.
Now’s the time for you to start putting your words into actions.
Let’s start making healthier choices, opening up about our struggles, and supporting each other along the way.
Where to start:
Written by Joshua from Sustainable Health – Men’s Health & Performance Coach
Website: www.sustainable-health.co.uk
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