November marks Men’s Health Month, and while men’s attitudes towards prioritising their health and well-being are gradually improving for the better, a worrying number of men are still putting their health on the back burner. In fact, a recent survey shows that 48% of men feel some pressure to “tough out” potential health issues, with a third saying that others may see them as weak for even talking about their concerns.
But thankfully, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, is sharing tips to help people shake the stigma and encourage even the most stubborn men to take their health more seriously.
Dr Rupa Parmar said: “Unfortunately, many men have been told not to complain or tough it out. So, it’s easy to see why some decide not to see their doctor until they’re already worried something serious may be wrong. While you cannot force another adult to go to the doctor, there are many thoughtful ways you can help encourage them to seek medical help.”
Starting the Conversation
“In most cases, trying to coax or push someone can actually backfire. Instead, it’s usually best to start by expressing that you’re worried about them, and then give them the space to talk about their health. You should never jump in immediately with advice. Try to be an active listener and let them come to their own conclusions.”
Think About Your Responses
“Your responses are just as important as your initial approach. It’s great to start off on the right foot, but if they are not receptive and your immediate defence is to start catastrophising and focusing on everything that could go wrong, you will hit a wall. That’s why it’s best to focus on the good things that may happen if they get checked out, such as peace of mind or early treatment. After all, the goal is to get them to see that it would actually be odd if they didn’t go and see the doctor about their symptoms.”
Be Gentle
“Remember to be gentle. When it comes down to it, some people feel embarrassed or nervous to admit they are scared or worried about getting bad news, and that’s a very understandable worry to have.
“It’s important to acknowledge and validate this concern, but emphasise that you will be by their side to deal with it together. In some cases, people may have other worries, such as having to take time off work or not being able to support the family. It’s important to reassure them that you’ll be there to help them cope and take off some of the load.
Remind Them How Much They Mean
“The family angle can be powerful. But don’t use guilt by calling them selfish. This will ultimately make them defensive. Instead, appeal to their role in the family by reminding them that you want them around when your children or grandchildren are older.
“It’s also worth appealing to their sense of competence and duty, reminding them that they can’t expect to look after anyone else if they haven’t looked after themselves.”
Take The Lead
“A great way to reduce pressure is to take the practical lead. For example, you may want to suggest easy starting points, such as trying to get a telephone chat with the doctor or letting them know you’re happy to come with them if that helps.”
Normalise Medical Checks
“It’s fair to say that when we talk about health, we usually only focus on the bad. But it’s important to start focusing on the good, normalising healthcare with everyday conversations. Talking about your own check-ups or your friend’s positive experiences getting the all-clear can make seeing a doctor less of a big deal.
“One of the reasons men tend to avoid the GP is because they simply haven’t had much contact with the healthcare system. From their teens, many women are in and out of clinics for contraception, screenings, and family care, so it feels familiar. For a healthy man, decades can pass without needing to go. By encouraging regular check-ups and treating them as just another part of self-care, you can make visiting the doctor feel normal. The more familiar it becomes, the easier it gets.”
Don’t Give Up
“Understandably, many people are frustrated with the current state of our healthcare system, with inconvenient opening hours and long wait lists making it difficult for people to access essential services.
“It’s important to remember that while the NHS is under immense pressure, healthcare workers are on your side and are doing everything they can to ensure you get the help you need. Although getting an appointment can be a challenging process, it’s important not to give up. After all, if symptoms quietly creep on, opportunities for early treatment are missed.
“As healthcare workers, we will continue to push for more support and resources to ensure services are accessible, responsive and welcoming, so everyone feels empowered to take that first step.”
