NOT JUST FOR WOMEN ANYMORE – MORE MEN SEEKING WELLNESS

The Issue:  Historically, men have sought health care in far fewer numbers than have women.  Many didn’t consider it “manly” to admit to illness (often considering sickness a sign of weakness).  While life expectancy has increased substantially during the last century, living well during later years requires the timely use of preventive health care services. 

The Story:  Men’s health groups, such as the Men’s Health Network, the National Black Men’s Health Network and the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, are trying to encourage men to become engaged in their own health, take more preventative health measures and not delay their health care until something goes wrong.  Skip Lockwood of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) notes, “Many men treat their cars better than they treat their bodies.”

Yet there are some men, and their numbers are growing, who are actively involved in becoming and staying as healthy as they can.  Who are these renaissance men?  And what can they tell the rest of the guys?  Says Dr. Steve Leverett of True North Health Center in Falmouth:  “These men tend to be skeptical of the pharmaceutical industry and know that relying on a pill to “fix them” when they do experience symptoms is not a dependable strategy.  They want to be sure they’ll be around to see their kids grow up.”    Adds one of Dr. Leverett’s patients:  “Dr. Leverett pretty much gave me a game plan for staying healthy.  It’s not that I was feeling bad, but I wanted to be sure I was doing the right things.”

Background:  The Commonwealth Fund Survey, conducted by Louis Harris Associates, found that "an alarming proportion of American men have only limited contact with physicians and the health care system generally. Many men fail to get routine checkups, preventive care, or health counseling, and they often ignore symptoms or delay seeking medical attention when sick or in pain. When they do seek care, social taboos or embarrassment can sometimes prevent men from openly discussing health concerns with their physicians."

Story Elements:  Interviews with Drs. Steve Leverett and Amy Kustra of True North, along with several of their male patients and in some cases their wives, are available.

Contact:  Chris Bicknell Marden, Director of Development, 781-4488, cbmarden@truenorthhealthcenter.org