June is National Men’s Health Month. As we celebrate, it’s important to know that achieving good health for all men requires a commitment to health equity. This goes beyond just having access to health care. It also means looking at social, economic and environmental factors that affect health. By focusing on these areas, we can help men have a better chance at good health.
Men's health is impacted by many things. However, some groups of men have higher rates of diseases, lower life expectancy and limited access to resources. Aetna Better Health® of Illinois works to address these gaps by ensuring that all men have a fair chance to be as healthy as possible.
Let’s explore equity in men’s health and highlight steps we can take to improve the well-being of men across diverse communities.
- Take the first step. Many studies show that men are much less likely than women to see a doctor. Men also tend not to report symptoms. Delaying health screenings and timely care can lead to serious health problems. Also, men from diverse communities may face problems that impact their ability to have healthy lifestyles. Remember, we’re a phone call away. We’re here to keep you informed to maintain your health. Call Member Services at 1-866-329-4701 (TTY:711) to schedule your annual check-up and get your health on track.
- Prevention and Early Detection: Many chronic diseases can be prevented or well-managed by adjustments in lifestyle. Major factors that increase risk for chronic disease such as hypertension, cancer and Type 2 diabetes include:
- Excess body weight
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- High consumption of red or processed meat
- Low calcium, fruits, vegetable and whole-grain fiber
- Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption
If you are dealing with any of the above, talk with your Primary Care Provider for helpful ways to change your lifestyle. And remember, early detection offers the best chance of cure. Be sure to stay up to date with all immunizations and screenings so any issues are caught early.
- Access for all: Making sure everyone can easily get health care is important. This means making things fair for everyone, especially in areas where there aren't enough resources. We want to make sure men who might not go to the doctor get the help they need. Aetna® organizes events to give out free, healthy food to people in these areas all year round. At these events, people can get fresh fruits and veggies and learn how to cook them. They also get tips on staying healthy, get checked for health problems and have fun. Take a look at our News and Events page for future events.
- Cultural beliefs: Providers need to understand and respect different cultures when helping men with their health. This means adapting services to fit what men from different backgrounds are comfortable with.
Culture may also stop men from asking questions. Taboo topics don’t get talked about often. Don’t let that stop you. Ask your doctor questions. If you have a symptom, say something. If you’re feeling down, talk about it. Knowledge is power when taking control of your health. There are also doctors and staff that speak many languages. Ask for an interpreter if you need one.
At Aetna, we know that everyone has their own beliefs, especially when it comes to health. We listen to and understand what's important to each person. This makes sure we take care of them in a way that works best for them.
- Violence prevention: No one is immune to violence, but men are disproportionately affected as perpetrators and victims. With summer right around the corner it is important to discuss the burden of violence for men and the impact it has on individuals, relationships, communities and society. There are many factors that influence men’s experience with violence, including child abuse, youth violence, intimate partner violence and sexual violence. Aetna® works with professionals from across other sectors to help prevent or intervene in violence. If you are at risk and experiencing emotional distress, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat for help from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
- Community engagement: Getting communities involved in healthy activities can help men support each other and make better choices. Community clubs, churches and local organizations are important for reaching men. Aetna holds health events and fairs during the year to make sure people in diverse communities can learn about staying healthy and get checked for any problems.
- Make a change: Start your health journey by taking baby steps. If you’re not active, go on a walk. Try a healthy, home cooked meal once a week. And if you’ve never seen a doctor, now is a great time. You don’t have to make drastic changes to be healthier and you can even get rewarded for focusing on your health. You can earn Aetna® Better Care Rewards by doing healthy activities. Learn more here.
Achieving health equity in men’s health requires a strong effort to address the many factors that contribute to differences in health outcomes. By encouraging habits that keep men healthy, catching problems early and making sure everyone gets good care, we can close the gap. We can ensure that all men have the chance to be healthy. It is only through a commitment to equity that we can truly transform the landscape of men’s health for the better.