Northern Men's Health Subject of Report

Thursday, November 25, 2010 12:10 PM

Prince George, B.C.- A new report on men’s health in Northern B.C. paints a picture for change.

Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. David Bowering says the information gathered shows men in the north are less likely to use health services, have higher rates of most diseases compared to their female counterparts , they have higher rates of suicide, and are more likely to be hospitalized for alcohol or tobacco related illnesses. To Dr. Bowering’s knowledge, this is the first time all the information about Northern men’s health has been collected and presented in one package.

Dr. Bowering says there are many reasons why Northern Men are in this boat. Part of it is lifestyle, part of it is the type of work men do in this part of the province, but Dr. Bowering says a dialogue has to start to change attitudes and get men to start talking about their health issues.

While one of the issues facing Northern Health is the shortage of general practitioners, Dr. Bowering says new, more effective ways of getting men to talk about their concerns are being developed. One idea has men getting together to talk about a specific issue.

The report released today is meant to be a jumping off point to start dialogue with men about health issues. Dr. Bowering says Northern Health is planning a Men’s Health Conference for the spring of 2011 and a series of public consultation sessions in numerous communities throughout the Northern Health region later in the year.

“Men are important to the health of or families and communities, and improved health for men will benefit all of us.”

The report presents 7 recommendations:

1. Pay attention to men: Support and conduct more research on men’s health and living conditions, their health status and the heath care services they need and how those services should be delivered.

2. Listen to men: Conduct on going community consultation with men in suitable locations that support their involvement.

3. Learn with men: support an annual men’s health conference to consolidate knowledge and gains from the formal research and consultation activities.

4. Speak to men in language they recognize:

5. Increase collaboration with industry and business partners

6. Build partnerships

7. Improve Health Systems and structures.

You can read the full report by clicking here.

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Posted on Thursday, November 25, 2010 12:10 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Runner46 on November 25 2010 8:21 PM

dre once a year plus psa.

Posted by: seamutt on November 25 2010 10:22 PM

But with all the female issues is there anything left over for men.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 26 2010 9:41 AM

Good point seamutt...it's interesting to see the amount of financial support and programs for female issues like breast cancer, in comparison to how much time and money is put into programs for men...like prostate cancer for starters.
The system is a bit unbalanced, for sure!

Posted by: Retired on November 26 2010 10:15 AM

Northern Health needs to do more studies on how to cut operating costs and let men look after their own health. For all the attention that women get as pointed out by Andy freeze there is little difference in the life span between men or women so what�s the fuss.

Why all the interest in mens health at this time are our doctors going hungry? Are they trying to get men on a leash like they do with the fairer sex. They try to tell us that this dos not look right and you need to have some test done . So what else is new. Are we supposed too feel like a 20 year old when we are up in our 60'a and 70's.
Cheers

Posted by: Andyfreeze on November 26 2010 11:45 AM

Well said Retired!
We all need to remember that all the medical help in the world won't save us from the natural effects of aging.
We also need to remember,every time we go to a doctor,it costs us.
It also puts money in the doctors pocket, and everytime they call you back,it puts even more in their pockets.
While I respect what our doctors and nurses do for us,it is a vicious circle.
The odd thing is that there does seem to be more follow-ups for women, that there ever is for men.
Maybe the fairer sex is just more "complicated"?
I have a life long percription for medications that my doctor makes me come in to have renewed.
Takes 5 minutes,in and out,but he gets paid for that.
Time wasted that costs us and the healthcare system more money.

Posted by: Krusty on November 26 2010 12:47 PM

I'm not so sure that that the 5 years difference in lifespans between men and women (women live 5 years longer) is insignificant. Also, that 5 year difference is a Canada average and may not be the same in northern BC where our life expectency is much lower than it is in the lower half of the province.
Besides, what possible harm can come from listening to what men say about health matters? If you don't want to participate, then just keep your trap shut and let others, who may see benefit in this, have their say.