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Established in 1994 by the Men’s Health Network, every June is now Men’s Health Month. The aim of  men’s Health Month is educating men and their families about proactive health attitudes and practices. Indeed, it is not only a commemoration day, but also a significant opportunity to improve and even save lives.

At Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC), we believe Men’s Health Month is an opportunity to highlight the unique health challenges men face.  Hence, TTC opens the doors of our Primary Care clinics to men willing to come in and discuss potential issues. It does not matter what has been ignored or avoided in the past. What matters is what is being done today to help.

Integrated Care and Men’s Health Month

Despite advancements in treatment models, many men still hesitate when it comes to accessing medical attention. Instead, they conform to societal norms that associate masculinity with stoicism and self-reliance. Such ingrained reluctance frequently contributes to the progression of undiagnosed conditions. Thus, conditions that could have been cured early on develop into more serious health issues over time.

Did you know that research shows only 60% of men attend annual check-ups, while 40% wait until symptoms become serious to seek medical help? Dr. Helen Bernie, Director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine at Indiana University, explains the challenge: “Despite these statistics, 20 percent of men report seeing a doctor so their significant other or a loved one will stop nagging them.”

Such insight underscores the crucial role of external encouragement in prioritizing personal health. Indeed, it is okay for families to ask questions about the health of husbands, fathers, and sons. By not asking men these questions, families reinforce the problematic stereotypes.

Men’s Health Month and Masculine Norms

A study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health found that men often avoid healthcare services due to such perceptions. Inside, they believe that seeking help is a sign of weakness that contradicts their ideal of rugged independence. Moreover, such beliefs reflect societal expectations and personal experiences. Thus, they lead men to downplay symptoms and delay care. What we have here is a double-edged sword that cuts in both directions.

Responding to this healthcare gap, TTC emphasizes an Integrated Care approach. By providing a comprehensive, one-stop healthcare solution, TTC offers men a convenient way to tackle these issues and questions. Combining medical, behavioral, and mental health services under one roof, TTC simplifies the healthcare process. Hence, when healthcare is more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, it also works for men. Indeed, such an integrated model not only streamlines care but also fosters a supportive environment. Such an environment paves the way by respecting both personal privacy and the need for autonomy in the male psyche.

Avoid Negative Consequences During Men’s Health Month

Most importantly, let us be one hundred percent truthful and realistic. Without a doubt, the consequences of delayed medical attention are severe. Indeed, there is a reason why men have higher mortality rates for eight of the ten leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Furthermore, mental health issues often go unaddressed. While 30% of men experience depression during their lifetime, only a quarter of those men seek professional help. 

Given the stakes, TTC’s Integrated Care model reduces these risks by promoting early detection and holistic treatment. By offering coordinated services, TTC removes barriers to care, encouraging men to take a proactive approach to their health. Hence, such a strategy not only enhances individual outcomes but also contributes to broader public health goals. After all, addressing preventable conditions before they escalate is good for society as a whole.

Ultimately, from the perspective of TTC’s Clinical Staff, Men’s Health Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of regular medical care and the need to challenge societal norms that discourage men from seeking help. TTC exemplifies how integrated, compassionate care often empowers men to take control of their health. Similar to women, such empowerment frequently leads to longer, healthier lives for these men.