Engaging Men with Health Services: A Call for Proactivity

Date: Sunday 16 Mar 2025

Mike Shallcross argues for a more proactive approach in engaging men with health services. He highlights the NHS's focus on sickness over holistic well-being and calls out the lack of men's specific health programs. While public discussions around vulnerability are increasing, barriers persist in accessing health care, necessitating a mutual responsibility for men to attend to their health.

In the intricate web of men's health, Mike Shallcross, former deputy editor of Men's Health, emphasizes the need for a proactive approach in engaging men with health services. Reflecting on the 30-year evolution of wellness for British men, he critiques the National Health Service for often focusing more on sickness than holistic well-being, urging a shift towards a broader definition of health that incorporates emotional self-awareness and gentle maintenance.

Shallcross notes that in the UK, while discussions about health have amplified, tangible progress in men’s health engagement remains sluggish. The public candidness of figures like Sir Chris Hoy about serious illnesses highlights an evolving dialogue. However, structural barriers persist, particularly in how men access primary health care, with screening programs tailored predominantly for women, often overlooking young men’s needs.

Despite the healthy discourse around vulnerability showcased through shows like "Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing", there is a gap in outreach. While health checks for older men are emerging, many men avoid these services out of fear of judgment regarding lifestyle choices. Shallcross argues that the NHS should adopt a more inviting approach and creatively place health checks where men congregate.

Ultimately, Shallcross calls for collective responsibility; men must also recognize the importance of attending appointments and acknowledging health concerns. Embracing our mortality can lead to better outcomes, proving that addressing health is a shared journey rather than an ambush.

Learn more here: https://www.menshealth.com/uk/health/a64070747/how-to-engage-men-with-health-services/