The Foundation Highlights the Health Differences in Men and Women
Sulphur Springs, TX –
Did you know that women are 33% more likely than men to seek medical care? To make this comparison apples to apples, this percentage doesn’t include care sought for pregnancy. The impact of this discrepancy is evidenced by the shorter life expectancy of men compared to women.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation wants every single citizen in Hopkins County to be as healthy as possible. That is why they want to make our community aware of this difference so that we can acknowledge it, deal with it, and end it.
Why are men less likely to go to the doctor? Several articles and studies come to similar conclusions: men think seeking medical help shows weakness, men think they can power through the problem, men worry about the diagnosis, men feel they don’t have time to go, and men fear that tests will be painful.
So how do you narrow the gap between men and women on this issue? The answer may lie with the women in a man’s life. Wives, daughters, girlfriends, and moms can help get their male loved ones to a medical provider by making the appointment and accompanying them on the visit.
Another idea is to create media campaigns to make men aware of health issues and simple remedies if caught in time. Education to overcome the reasons men don’t go to the doctor will help mitigate those concerns.
The Cleveland Clinic surveyed men in 2019 to determine their attitudes about healthcare. One finding of note: 77% of men surveyed would rather take their wives shopping than go to a medical appointment. That finding alone speaks volumes about the male attitude toward healthcare.
On a positive note, some doctors feel that the availability of medical information online is helping younger men make appointments for healthcare. The hope is that over time this will minimize the disparity between men and women seeking medical help.
Let’s make men’s health a priority in March. Maybe we could name it Malecare (male + healthcare) March! Ladies, encourage your male loved ones to make their medical appointments, or better yet, pick up the phone and make them yourself! And guys, take a page of our Nike’s book and Just Do It!
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is starting a new initiative to encourage men to take control of their health. Mingo, to be held on April 18, is a fun bingo night that will raise important funding so that the Foundation can provide FREE heart calcium tests to Hopkins County men. Just like healthcare, ladies may need to reserve the Mingo tickets and join in on the fun night!
Sponsorships are now available at Mingo2024.GiveSmart.com.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization that has the goal of making Hopkins County citizens as healthy as possible.
Photo: This is a reminder from the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation that Hopkins County men need to take control of their healthcare by making and keeping regular healthcare appointments…before it is too late. April 18’s Mingo will raise money for FREE heart calcium tests for Hopkins County men. For more information visit Mingo2024.GiveSmart.com
