HealthTech's Role in Advancing Men's Health Initiatives
As we mark Men's Health Week, we turn our attention to an equally critical aspect of health: men's health and well-being. This week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about the specific health challenges men face and to encourage them to take proactive steps towards better health.
There are numerous public resources available to support men's health, offering information, guidance, and support across various health issues.
For example, the Men's Health Forum publish a range of materials, from online guides to health campaigns, including their current call to back a national men's health strategy. There are also many support charities for men impacted by common conditions, such as prostate cancer, and with suicide classed as the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50, we should all be encouraged to prioritise our mental health and seek support when needed.
ABHI Clinical Advisor, Dr. Nina Wilson adds: "Gender disparity in health affects men too. They face a disproportionate burden from various health conditions, experiencing higher mortality rates at younger ages. Yet, they are 32% less likely to seek healthcare [1]. Consider these stark statistics: men receive 69% of diabetic amputations [2], and there are 14% more cancer deaths in men than in women each year in the UK [3]. Social inequalities and deprivation significantly contribute to the wide disparities in life expectancy among men. This is part of a wider picture of poor health across all genders in the UK, that is estimated to be costing the UK economy £138 billion per year due to absence and impact on productivity [4]."
As a HealthTech community, we have the potential to make a significant impact on men's health, and we are eager to hear your ideas on how we can collectively leverage our capabilities and network to better support this agenda.
Please do get in touch to discuss how we can move forward together, so that we can make a difference to the lives of men everywhere, promoting a healthier, more informed community.
