And why should you also
Blog Factor: Shelby Levenhal
Because I’m talking about men’s health
I may not be a man, but as a college woman surrounded by male friends who face their health as is optional, I have learned this: Most of them will not take it seriously until someone else does.
So here I am – talking about men’s health, because too many of you are not.
My background and personal connection
Hello, my name is Shelby Levenhal, a rising senior at the University of Kentucky who is pursuing a degree in Communication and Journalism. At an early stage of life, I was interested in physical and mental health, I bring it to the four sports I participated in the development and challenges of mental health I have endured along the way. However, there is a factor that was consistent in these cases, the number of women’s resources for the challenges they face.
Stereotypes that shape health expectations
Writing this blog as a young woman is my way to join a bigger conversation. Before that, I began to think about the fundamental differences that women and men face in health. For generations, men must be depicted in society as a powerful and competitive that serves as patrons and providers for women and children. How are women portrayed? Sensitive, submissive and supportive that serves as carers.
Why do we tend to associate these characteristics with men or women no doubt? Is the media depiction? What about long -term stereotypes? Or maybe even the workplace?
These and many others are the real reasons, I hope to question these stereotypes even a little.
Where is the encouragement for men?
Has anyone else noticed in these stereotypes, are women who are encouraged to take care of themselves either physically or mentally? Take your control, follow the treatment, support your self -esteem and love. How often do we hear that people are encouraged to do the same? Usually, not until it’s too late.
Let’s change that.
Cancer we don’t talk enough
Cancer: A relentless invader, silent killer and diagnosis of life. Pause here and think, how many types of cancer do you know and what do you know about them? Speaking of myself, the first to come to mind is the chest, the skin and the lung. While I was thinking of this, I grabbed myself only by contributing to these cancers in women.
Now I ask, what do you know about prostate or testicular cancer?
Why women also need to talk
Before this opportunity [to intern with Men’s Health Network] I knew very little, though this sounds ignorant that I made myself think, “Why should I care? This is for men.” This is precisely because women should care about these types of cancers. Don’t we all have at least one man in our lives that we appreciate? Maybe she’s a father, maybe a uncle, a husband or even just a friend. Why should we not support men to take care of themselves in the way women are supported?
Breaking the stigma around men’s health
Gender, age or lack of knowledge should not be an excuse for neglecting men’s health. Just because men are depicted as strong and safe, this is not necessarily accurate. Men’s physical and mental health is often overlooked and deals with the stigma we discussed earlier. Let us start treating men with the same healthy starts that women receive. I want to share some of the ways in which women can stand with men in our lives.
How the support really looks like
An effortless first step We women can stand with men in our lives is simply to control. I am not referring to a half bad-bad “How are you?” where we ask to just sound polite. No, I’m talking about being intentional, “just check – how’s your head and heart these days?” Even if they are healthy as it can be, it makes a real difference.
I have not even overlooked physical health. Just because a person is active and eats well does not mean that there are no silent threats to his health. Something as simple as, “Are you in my mind. Do you care for yourself and feel okay?” It can make a real difference when it comes to health initiatives.
Driving with example in my own life
My daddy [Mike Leventhal, Executive Director at Men’s Health Network] He has always underlined the importance of men who go to the doctor and take regular checks. Taking these small initiatives can really save a life and ensure that men lead their healthiest lives. Men’s health network highlights its importance and regularly hosts and participates in events to support this cause. Recently, my dad and I have watched a health event in Memphis, Tennessee, where men had the opportunity for a blood test for the free PSA (a special antigen protector). I have quickly learned that if men are presented with an opportunity as a free health control, they will use it because they are interested in their health, as well as women.
The culture of neglecting health to college men
Certainly, all of these initiatives are reliable ways to control men in our lives, but how can we smooth them? Being a young woman at a great university, I have noticed the young men around me. These young men are encouraged to ignore their health and have a “living in the moment” mentality. They participate in heavy episodic consumption, relaxation and even tobacco use.
This is a concern because the brains of these young men have not been fully developed and may be created for failure in the future. Personally, I feel that this is one of the many reasons that men can face health concerns in the future. I consider these choices as a chain result.
From habits to harm: Understanding the dangers
Get excessive alcohol consumption. Sure, it starts as a way of having fun to rest and be social with friends. However, if these excessive behaviors are normalized, the body and mind begin to rely on alcohol for physical dependence, a spiritual crutch and daily function. This in turn leads to alcoholism that leads to liver cancer.
Let’s have another example, the use of tobacco and nicotine that begins as a casual habit. However, I have noticed that because the behavior is so normalized, many men do not tend to stop after college. Nicotine and tobacco act as a psychoactive substance that releases dopamine and feelings of relaxation. However, these temporary emotions will certainly not be worthwhile when diagnosed with lung cancer.
The appearance means talking
As a woman, I believe in care for one’s health is not only about avoiding illness, but it probably appears for yourself and those who care about you.
Men should not be afraid to plan this control or have honest talks on mental health, a little daily habit changes a life.
Being healthy is not only to live longer, but to live better.
About the author:
Lbi Levenhal is a rising senior at the University of Kentucky, pursuing a degree in Communications and Journalism. A dedicated member of Delta Zeta Sorority, Lbi It is known for its living personality, leadership and its commitment to promote a sense of community.
Out of academics, Lbi She enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her dynamic interests. He is an enthusiastic participant in entertainment sports, a music lover, an adventurous cook and a dedicated friend to all furks. Whether she shouts in her wilds or spends time with the brotherhood sisters, Lbi It brings creativity and energy to what it does.
Lbi He is passionate about the use of social media expertise to inspire and connect with others, always trying to leave a positive impact wherever he goes.
