Executives and employees are often so involved in their jobs and so busy with their lives that they overlook one very important factor — their health. This can be especially true with men, who often feel more pressure to “tough it out” and may dismiss their symptoms as just the result of the stress of the job.
“Employers can take steps to help ensure their male employees acknowledge symptoms and get the care that they need,” says Julie Sich, health promotions coordinator for SummaCare, Inc.
“Employers can’t ignore the health of their male employees. Nearly two-thirds of working-age men are overweight, which increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. But through workplace health checks and strategies to educate male employees about the special risks they face, employers can help them to lead happier, longer and more productive lives.”
Smart Business spoke with Sich about how employers can have a positive impact on both their own health and the health of their male employees.
Why should employers be concerned about men’s health?
Although there are factors beyond our control that can affect our health, the greatest risks stem from things that we can control. Lifestyle choices such as poor dietary habits, drinking and smoking and risky behaviors such as driving dangerously have an enormous impact on long-term health.
Although regular check-ups are recommended for both men and women, men may often forgo those appointments, whether out of fear of finding something wrong, a lack of motivation or an ‘I don’t have time’ mentality. As a result, for many men, a trip to the doctor comes only when they finally can’t ignore that something is wrong. This often leads to longer, more difficult and expensive treatment than if a condition had been caught earlier.
What can employers do to help men improve their health?
Well-targeted workplace initiatives can help identify potentially serious conditions earlier in their development and improve outcomes.
Employers can hold wellness information programs, which help men become aware of how their behaviors and lifestyle choices may be affecting their health. For example, although an employee may recognize that heavy drinking isn’t a recommended behavior, he may not fully understand the significant impact it can have on his health.
Employers can also offer age-specific health assessments targeting risk areas for men in each age group. If any red flags are raised, the employee can then be referred to a general practitioner or specialist for a more in-depth assessment. The physician can then recommend precautionary actions on the part of the patient or treat the malady before it progresses further. Even if no underlying problems are detected at the time of the assessment, the program can make recommendations specific to each person, such as lifestyle changes or actions to help reduce the risk of developing an illness.
In many cases, offering an online assessment may be a more effective route. Men may be reluctant to discuss any symptoms they are experiencing with a physician, but would be more open in an anonymous, online setting. In this setting, they can be more comfortable answering questions about things such as prostate symptoms or exercise habits.
What kinds of regular checkups should all men be having?
Men under the age of 60 should undergo an eye exam every two to three years, not only to test for vision, but also to screen for underlying issues such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. Annual dental exams are also recommended, although those who smoke or chew tobacco may want to see their dentist more regularly.
Men should also have their blood pressure checked every one to two years. This allows a physician to potentially detect problems long before any symptoms develop. Cholesterol testing can help detect the potential risk of heart disease; men should be tested every five years after the age of 35, earlier if risk factors such as obesity, smoking or diabetes exist. A full-body screening for skin cancer every five years is also recommended.
What other screenings should men have that they may be reluctant to address?
Though the colonoscopy is, understandably, a test that is often avoided, it can detect polyps or cancerous growths. Screening is recommended every 10 years for men over the age of 50, earlier for those with a family history of colon cancer. A yearly stool test can also help to detect early signs of cancer.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men under age 35, but also affects older men. Because it is considered highly curable in its early stages, it is important to detect it before it progresses so that it can be successfully treated. Screening should be part of any physical exam, and men should also examine themselves monthly for anything unusual, including lumps. Also, prostate cancer screenings are generally recommended beginning at age 50 and should begin earlier if there is a family history of the disease.
Finally, many men are often reluctant to address mental health issues. It’s common for men to go undiagnosed for depression or other mental illnesses because they fear that exhibiting sadness or anxiety can impact an image of strength in the workplace.
Seeking treatment from a qualified professional can significantly benefit the patient’s home and work life, alleviating even the physical symptoms the person didn’t realize were associated with this type of illness. Employers should make information regarding mental health available to employees to help diminish a negative stigma and encourage them to address potential emotional health issues with a physician as quickly as possible.
Julie Sich is health promotions coordinator for SummaCare, Inc. Reach her at (330) 996-8779 or [email protected].
SummaCare offers a full line of health plans and ancillary products. Through its extensive network of more than 7,000 providers and more than 50 hospitals, SummaCare offers coverage to more than 115,000 members throughout northern Ohio.
