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We're worth it!

Fundamentally, I do believe men’s health matters and the emergence of what might be called a “men’s health movement” over the past two decades has only served to reinforce this message. Nevertheless, striking inequalities still persist and it is because their origins are so complex and multi-factorial that successful interventions to improve our health may only become evident some years down the line. Put simply, men are by no means a homogenous group and so we learn what works…… slowly.

Unfortunately too, as men, we are often indifferent - if indeed not resistant - to health promotion messages, but the reality is that many of the risk factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, unsafe sexual practices and risky behaviour likely to lead to accidents – are preventable. Thus the scope for us to improve our health and to promote active, healthy life is considerable. Clearly, however, a sensible balance needs to be struck between encouraging us to change risky behaviour and re-orientating health promotion interventions to target specific groups of men.

Undoubtedly we need to become more aware of our physical health, and to seek help at an earlier stage, but our emotional health is of equal importance. Indeed many of our lifestyle habits (which contribute to premature morbidity) e.g. higher alcohol and tobacco consumption, involvement in risk-taking activities and violence towards each other are often responses to stresses or feelings of uselessness, especially in the family environment. Research has consistently proved that by being more honest about our inner feelings, and therefore reducing stress, the incidence of (say) coronary heart disease can be cut by 20%.

What interests me in terms of the challenges involved in bringing about behavioural change is exactly why it is so fundamentally difficult. Why is it, for example, that some men knowingly (and in spite of all the evidence) still continue to drink/smoke to excess and to risk early illness and even death? Clearly issues of value and self-worth are paramount and the real challenge is to create the conditions under which men feel “worth it” – to quote from a commercial significantly aimed at women – and valued. I believe this to be central to the work of MHFS and whilst recognising the complexity and enormity of the task I am encouraged that progress is being made: furthermore to be part of this process is a privilege.

Recently, I stumbled upon an early men's health leaflet from 2000 and in particular an article on the concept of a "possible Scotsman".  It is of equal relevance today.  Allow me to quote: he would:

• Be able to avoid isolation, have more friends and be close to them
• Be less afraid of expressing emotion, and more able to sustain long and fulfilling relationships
• Have the confidence to seek help when he needs it
• Have the skills, knowledge, time and desire to play a full part in bringing up his children
• Be neither the perpetrator nor the victim of violence
• Be free from poverty
• Have satisfying work opportunities without excessive hours
• Be free from discrimination and disadvantage on the grounds of race, religion, age, sexuality and disability
• Treat all men, woman and children around them with respect
• Have the resources, confidence, skills and desire to be more physically active, eat a healthy diet, avoid the abuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs

Whilst recognising we may still have a long way to go before each man is able to realise this, his full potential, we have at least begun the journey and in responding effectively to men’s health issues we are heralding long-term, positive, social change. And yes, I believe we are worth it!

John G. McKenzie (MHFS, OMG Member)