publication date: Jun 9, 2007
The
Men's Health Week initiative is
underlining the fact that men are much
less likely to visit a
doctor or engage with other
health services than women and
health promotion
campaigns often fail to take account of the need for
“gender-sensitivity” in reaching
male audiences. Part of this national health
campaign is aimed at getting men to take
better care of themselves.
In relation to women
men are:
- twice as likely to die from cancers;
- one third less likely to see their GP;
- more likely to suffer from mental illness.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) – which represents 45,000
pharmacists – is emphasising the fact that
community pharmacists are
ideally placed to help
men with health-related
issues.
- Services are free and no appointment is needed – most men don’t mind going to the pharmacy, because they don’t need an appointment.
- Pharmacies are accessible and located on most high streets.
- Convenience – pharmacies offer services when local surgeries are closed, including Saturdays and Sundays.
- Pharmacists are experts in medicines management.
- Privacy - most pharmacies now have confidential consultation areas, so men can discuss any personal health concerns alone with the pharmacist without being overheard.
Community pharmacists can offer a great deal of
specific advice including:
- face-to-face, non-judgmental advice on general health and exercise;
- practical help with stopping smoking;
- dietary advice and nutritional information;
- help with sexual health;
- practical advice and help when men encounter mental health issues;
- help with minor sports injuries like cuts and bruises, sprains and strains.
An
increasing number of pharmacies offer healthcare advice in
electronic form using special machines which can also undertake a range of
diagnostic tests including blood pressure, diabetes, weight and cholesterol checks and heart checks.
And men needn’t be shy there are nearly
two million requests for health help and advice in community pharmacies every day!
