how digital health solutions break down barriers for men seeking healthcare
creating digital solutions for men and promoting them for better access is a significant step forward in improving men’s health now
6 minute read
telehealth companies, such as phoenix here in canada, provide online and virtual care for men, allowing them to get answers to their health concerns, speak with doctors, and find and access treatments all through their computer.
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men are far less likely to take advantage of the healthcare system, even if they are experiencing symptoms or signs of illness or disease. they are also more likely to die of certain diseases, including cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, at a younger age than their female counterparts. while avoiding the doctor only plays a small role in that statistic, it does paint a picture that highlights the need for solutions that can help men overcome their reluctance to seek care when they need it.
kenton boston, the ceo and president of the canadian men’s health foundation (cmhf), believes that there are a few factors at play that keep men away from healthcare providers and services.
“one of the biggest issues that men face is the stigma or the lack of understanding, perhaps, of the ramifications if you don’t drive your own health journey, and i think that’s a big part of it,” he said. “there’s fear that there may be something wrong, and that’s another part, so it’s easier to sometimes avoid confronting the possibility that something could hurt us or maybe even alter the way we view ourselves.”
he also notes that men, particularly those who have families to take care of, also put their spouse, children, or other family members first, leading to their health complaints being put on the back burner.
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stigma and traditional masculine ideals, such as taking pain or other health ailments “like a man,” can also push forth the idea that seeing a doctor somehow takes away from the masculine identity.
“stigma’s enormous for a lot of people, men in particular, you don’t want to be seen to be weak. that’s often been the mantra of masculinity, that sense of weakness, which is not true, but that’s what society is often taught,” said boston. “a lot of us are taught that you have to be strong.”
whatever the reason may be, digital solutions are opening up care in a whole new way, providing men with accessible options that can help them monitor, improve, and plan for their health in ways that weren’t available before the rise of the technological revolution.
“digital plays a really big role for us and many other organizations because we can be on our phones, we can engage with questions, we can do research, we have the ability of unanimity, so being anonymous,” said boston.
using telehealth and virtual resources to make care accessible
telehealth companies, such as phoenix here in canada, provide online and virtual care for men, allowing them to get answers to their health concerns, speak with doctors, and find and access treatments all through their computer.
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this level of virtual care not only makes it more convenient for busy men to find time in their schedule, but also allows them to do so in a way that protects their privacy more than going and waiting in a crowded doctor’s office.
the cmhf also offers virtual tools designed to help men access the care they need by providing them with the first step towards showing up. their men’s health checklist, for example, allows men to determine where their health stands physically, so they can take the next steps with confidence.
“we take you through that process. there’s no stigma, there’s nothing tied to it, and that’s a real asset i find,” said boston. “using the tools that we have every day, our phones, to a lesser extent, our computers, but really engage those tools.”
some apps can also provide telehealthcare for men, especially when it comes to mental health. headspace and betterhelp both provide mental health support that is discreet, effective, and relatively low-cost, with no waiting. these resources tackle both the stigma of asking for mental health help and accessibility and time constraints. other canadian-based online therapy options include:
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the cmhf offers a tool known as the mindfit tool, which can provide insight into mental health, and free counselling for those with financial constraints.
according to boston, digital care can improve the connection between men and healthcare providers, fostering better adherence to mental health care plans.
“one of the biggest impacts on your mental health journey is loneliness,” said boston. “we’re finding that it becomes a lot more difficult to communicate broadly, so you kind of ingest things to yourself, which manifests the problem, and we know that the antidote for that, one of the most successful antidotes, is counselling.”
using wearable devices to assess and make changes
there is no shortage of health apps and wearable devices that give men the opportunity to engage in their health in real time. wearables, for example, can track a myriad of different health parameters, including:
- fitness activity, including steps and calories burned
- stress levels
- sleep quality
- heart rate and rhythm abnormalities
- blood oxygen levels
- blood pressure
- hydration
- body temperature
men can then use these parameters to assess their health status and take action in areas that require improvement. in some cases, wearables may even come with built-in features for breathwork or cognitive training to enhance mental and cognitive health. garmin, apple, and fitbit are among the most popular brands for wearable trackers.
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these wearables are also paired with apps, allowing you to view your data in real-time, track progress after making changes, and maintain control over your health.
virtual support groups for connection and coping
support groups for men facing health challenges are another great digital resource. they offer men the opportunity to connect with others, building a level of camaraderie in a safe space that allows them to be more open and proactive about their experiences. it can also provide men with a level of support they may not be able to get elsewhere.
mindshift groups, which are organized by the cmhf, are virtual 8-week group therapies that help with anxiety. others in canada include:
- men’s group, an online community designed to build connections for men to share their experiences with others
- headsupguys, which offers tools and tips for men to seek out care
various organizations offering support for those going through specific illnesses include the men’s club with hope and cope, prostate cancer canada network with the prostate cancer foundation of canada, and man up to cancer support group with the ottawa cancer foundation.
using digital solutions to give men more control of their health journey
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according to boston, digital health solutions can do wonders for men on their health journeys because they eliminate many of the barriers that men face. for example, individuals who work demanding jobs or have difficult hours can access online care much more easily, giving them the opportunity to choose when it works best for them.
it also combats the stigma, which is a huge deterrent.
“this offers unanimity in the sense of no one needs to know or can know what it is that you’re doing, the things you’re reading, the conversations you’re having,” said boston. “it removes that possibility of any sort of stigma tied to ‘i need help’ and being embarrassed by that.”
since 70 per cent of the top eight conditions men will get over their lifetime are avoidable through lifestyle changes, it’s vital for men to take back the reins when it comes to how they show up for themselves and their health.
according to boston, creating these digital solutions for men and promoting them for better access is a significant step forward in improving men’s health now and in the long run.
“you can effect change just by sharing what you’re doing,” he said. “just be who you are and talk to your friends in the digital space and family, and that really does have a big impact on others.”
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