Men’s health has been called a silent crisis. Many statistics point to problems with men’s health, including that men are generally expected to live 5 years less than women. Experts say that a key concern is that men’s health often is ignored by men themselves. According to the Centre for Disease Control, men are 100% less likely to visit a doctor for preventative services.
Why don’t men take better care of themselves? Leaders in men’s health point to social attitudes that “big boys don’t cry.” Men learn to ignore pain, stress and emotional upheaval. This can take a toll on not only a man’s life expectancy, but also his quality of life and the quality of life of those around them.
What can be done? Eating right, getting exercise, making time for relaxation, and connecting with others can all help put things more in balance. Many physical health conditions can be prevented or detected early with regular checkups. Counselling can also be helpful when it comes to finding ways to make difficult changes or for mental health support in general.
Campbell River has one of the only non-profit agencies in B.C. that offers subsidized professional counselling for men who have experienced a trauma or any form of abuse, including emotional abuse and neglect. The North Island Survivors’ Healing Society currently has counselling spaces available in its men’s program. For more information or to make an appointment, call 250-287-3325. The website is www.nishs.ca.