Death and taxes are inevitable. However, when it comes to men’s health, we can do better ... much better. Men own nine of the top ten causes of death when compared to women; heart disease, malignancies, suicide, and workplace deaths, just to name a few.1 Over the past century, men have progressively shorter lifespans than their female counterparts, now dying at a rate of five years earlier.2 When it comes to healthcare, women are 76% more likely than men to have visited a healthcare professional within the previous year.3
As is a common refrain in this column, the outlook of legal professionals is even more bleak when compared to the general population. According to a 2021 study of legal professionals, 67% of male respondents indicated working more than 40 hours per week on average, 49% admitted experiencing moderate or severe stress, 39% experienced mild symptoms of anxiety, 39% experienced mild symptoms of depression, and 17% indicated that they have contemplated leaving the profession altogether.4
Over the years, I have been repeatedly asked, “Why are men so stupid?” The reality is that men are far from stupid despite the same end result — premature and unnecessary suffering and death. Men are typically more reactive than proactive and place health low on life’s list of priorities. Part of this behavior pattern in men begins as young boys when they’re told to “brush it off,” “rub some dirt on it,” or that “big boys don’t cry.”
This negligent personal healthcare pattern is exacerbated in adulthood when men, no longer under the care and advice of their parents, become the primary decision makers regarding their health. This has not boded well for men aged 20 to 40, who suffer the highest death rate secondary to drugs, alcohol, and risky behaviors.5
As you can tell, men’s health is important personally, socially, and in the workplace. This is not a binary decision; it should not be interpreted as saying women’s health should be ignored. Rather, we should believe that whether we are supporting men’s, women’s, or children’s health, a rising tide raises all boats and leads to greater health and wellbeing overall.
Moreover, the health of the male in a family unit can help ensure a more successful outcome for the family. And conversely, if the male of the family should become ill or die, there is a significantly higher chance that the children will not achieve higher levels of education and suffer from drug and/or alcohol issues.
The first thing men can do to get healthy is perform an honest self-assessment. Be frank about your mental, physical, and social self. Find a healthcare provider with whom you can share personal perceptions and realities and get a baseline medical assessment. The reality is that getting healthy and staying healthy results from small steps, not giant leaps.
There are many smartphone applications that allow you to track and monitor your progress. One of our favorite men’s health partners, the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, has a campaign called “Don’t Change Much”6 which focuses on the role of small changes in each aspect of one’s life; those changes, taken together, become more effective and durable over time.
Once you are on the road to a healthier self, try to become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. I can state with absolute certainty that nothing feels as good as being healthy. When you are truly healthy, you can fully enjoy and participate in life’s journey.
Our healthcare system is continually evolving, and we need to find our own best way to become engaged with it. Primary care assessments can be performed by physicians or advanced practice providers such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, or nurses. Routine maintenance care is best achieved through medical offices, urgent care centers, and quick clinics; try to avoid costly emergency room visits. In the future, home care testing and digital services via smartphones and other electronic devices will be assessment options.
The key to a healthier and more successful life journey is educating yourself on your personal healthcare needs and your familial healthcare risks. The next step is developing an action plan based upon your personal needs but know that your needs will change throughout your life. By starting now, you can prioritize your health beyond more than just a New Year’s resolution.
If you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, try calling the confidential Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program (LJAP) helpline at (800) 966-5522 for a free consultation or to receive referrals for providers experienced in treating lawyers. LJAP also hosts a confidential virtual support group on Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m., which is a great way to hear from other lawyers on how they handle the rigors and stressors of practice. E-mail contactLJAP@michbar.org to receive the password.
The Michigan Men’s Health Foundation also hosts an annual event for men that provides free screenings to assess their current health, educates men on staying healthy, and shares information about advances in healthcare.