MEN'S HEALTH AWARENESS NEEDS SOME ATTENTION

 

The month of June has been dedicated to the awareness regarding Men's health which also included June 14 as being Men's Mental Health Day. As your advocate I believe that this is a platform to discuss ways in which we can improve the lives for all. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to increase the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases amongst men and boys. During my working career, It has always been heart wrenching to watch families go through a health crisis, whether it is caused by a Mother or a Father. But let's face the facts women tend to have a better relationship with going to their Dr's at the first sign or symptom of a health concern. Going to the doctor isn’t everyone’s favourite thing in the world, but it’s important, both when you are sick and for preventive care. Men, however, are much more reluctant than women to go to the doctor, whether it’s for a regular checkup or for a pressing health concern. This is something that I have observed first hand with being a Nurse. Those who believe that the ideal man is the strong, silent type who does not complain about pain may lead to not seeking out preventative measures to keep your health on track. I understand that the not the fear of finding out what’s wrong holds merits for both men and women. In the spirit of men's health month, it is also important to develop conversations and practice regarding good health especially with young boys. You can do this by teaching young boys that it's ok to speak up about how they are feeling both physically and mentally. Remember healthy habits start early.


Ignoring even a mild health concern until it goes away could actually make it worse if treatment is required. The most commonly cited reasons as to why men don't seek medical attention or change unhealthy habits is normally because men have stated that they didn’t feel sick, or sick enough, to seek medical help. The problem with this reasoning, is feeling healthy doesn’t necessarily mean you are healthy. High blood pressure and high cholesterol don’t have obvious symptoms, but these conditions put men at risk for potentially fatal medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease or stroke. Many cancers are easy to miss until they progress and become difficult to treat.


Let's not forget to include that mental health is also a big part of men’s health concerns it has been cited that men are almost four times more likely than women to die by suicide. One reason is that men are more likely to use deadlier means — such as firearms. Treating mental illness and substance abuse can lower the risk of suicide. Men get treatment less often than women, though It's important to remember that mental health disorders are real medical illnesses that can't be wished away. This factor can change outcomes based on one's culture as well.

Some common mental health issues  include.

• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Anxiety disorders and PTSD
• Body image and eating disorders
• Depression

Other mental health conditions include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

With June being the start of bbq season, there is  no time like the present to remind the men and boys in your lives that their health is important. It has been cited that Colon and prostate cancers are associated with diets high in fat and red meat.  It has also  been cited  that Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common form of cancer in men and the third most common form of cancer, after breast and lung cancer in women. The summer months are a great time to start  healthy changes like switching your steak  for chicken, making homemade burgers instead of processed burgers, adding veggies to the grill and of course we can’t forget about choosing healthier hot dogs which is always  a staple for any bbq grill. Another step that you can take should be reading the labels when buying hot dogs  and other products keeping in mind, that you want to use  brands with less sodium, less fat and less processing. Sounds hard? I know, but it can be done.

Tips for the guy in your life

• Eat healthy. Nutritious foods give you energy and may lower your risk of certain diseases. Focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk products. Learn nutrition basics and how to read a food label.

• Stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can raise your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Find out your body mass index, or BMI, to see if you're at risk. Eat healthy foods, control portion sizes, and be active to keep your weight in check.

• Get moving. Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Find out how much physical activity you need.

• Be smoke-free. Smoking is linked to many of the leading causes of death, including cancer, lung disease, and stroke. If you smoke, quit today! Also, avoid secondhand smoke.
• Get routine exams and screenings. Ask your doctor how often you need to be examined. Ask about screening tests for certain diseases and conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and certain types of cancer.

• Take any medications you need. Thousands of deaths could be prevented each year by taking medications properly. Make sure to follow your doctor's instructions for all medications, including those that help control conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Learn about medication safety.
• Avoid heavy drinking. Heavy drinking can lead to many problems, including high blood pressure, various cancers, psychological problems, and accidents. For men 65 and younger, drinking in moderation means no more than two drinks per day. Men older than 65 should have no more than one drink a day. Find out about drink serving sizes.

• Manage stress. Balancing work and family obligations can be challenging. But it's important to protect your mental and physical health. Find healthy ways to cope with stress.

• Get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep can affect your mood and your health. Try certain changes that can improve your sleep. See your doctor if you think you have a serious problem. Sleep apnea, a common problem in which your breathing stops briefly, can increase the risk of accidents and certain health problems.

• Know your risks. Learn how your lifestyle affects your risk of health problems. For example, people who work with certain chemicals need to take protective steps, and men who have sex with men should talk with their doctors about particular concerns. You also should keep track of your family medical history and share it with your doctor.

• Stay safe. Safety means many things, like wearing seatbelts and helmets, having working smoke detectors, and following safety rules at work. It also means using condoms, washing your hands, taking care of your teeth, and wearing sunscreen. Take steps to protect yourself and others.

Men’s Health is  a family issue that shouldn’t be done alone. We should all  take steps to be healthier, Whether it’s your husband, partner, dad, brother, son, or friend you can help support the health and safety of the men in your life. This has been watching out for your health with
Michelle Smith Your Health And Social Advocate

I  take pride in working with adults – by helping them to recognize that character equals destiny…that success in careers, relationships, and life can be determined by the actions we choose to take or not take; that ultimately we are the architects of our own lives. As human beings, we have a tendency to concentrate on all the ways life can beat us up. I encourage people to shift to an “attitude of gratitude”, and to open up to the good fortune that surrounds all of us.
stay connected I am also available to speak at your next event learn more

RESOURCES 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/youth-mental-health-clinics-1.3654095

http://www.womenshealth.gov/mens-health/mental-health-for-men/index.html

http://www.womenshealth.gov/mens-health/tips-for-men-for-a-healthly-life/

http://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/healthy_cooking_101/shopping_cooking_guides/buyers_guide_to_healthier_hot_dogs?slide=2

Can we really avoid Cancer ?  early detection is  essential. That’s why knowing your risk is so important. 
take the quiz.....

https://www.mycanceriq.ca/?gclid=CNy3rqHnocQCFVKAaQod1VEANA

Colorectal cancer FAQs 
Red meat possibly linked to breast cancer


  http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/red-meat-possibly-linked-to-breast-cancer-1.2671915

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/meat-cancer-world-health-organization-1.3288355

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/red-meat-eaten-daily-raises-early-death-risk-1.1145553
 http://www.cbcf.org/ontario/Pages/default.aspx

http://janursing.blogspot.ca/2015/02/metime-did-you-pick-your-day-yet.html

A IS FOR AUTISM AWARENESS

One of the common  complaints that I hear from parents is their frustration with navigating  the healthcare system. As your advocate, it is very important to promote knowledge and awareness daily.  Early detection is the key  when handling   any health issue.  It is very important to help you identify ways in which you can navigate the healthcare and social system more effectively.  April is known as Autism awareness  month,  April 2, 2016, was celebrated as  World Autism Awareness Day. Thousands of landmarks, including the CN tower went Blue to raise global awareness about autism spectrum disorder.  With the May 2013 publication of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognised as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome.


 According to  Autism Canada  Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobiological condition that can affect the normal function of the gastrointestinal, immune, hepatic, endocrine and nervous systems. It impacts normal brain development leaving most individuals with communication problems, difficulty with typical social interactions and a tendency to repeat specific patterns of behaviour.  Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math, and art. Studies also show that autism is four to five times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls are diagnosed with autism.  There is no standard “type” or “typical” person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder but being able to recognize early signs is the key to early diagnosis.  Presently, we do not have a medical test that can diagnose autism. For this reason, parents should pay attention to their child’s social and language skills as well as their child’s play skills and body movements. -

Autism awareness has drawn attention in Jamaica as well, Autism and other disorders can be misunderstood if parents are not aware of what needs to be done to help their children strive. Taken from an article in the Jamaican Observer as a Mother of autistic child vents her frustration

 written BY DONNA HUSSEY-WHYTE Sunday Observer reporter husseyd @jamaicaobserver.com

 "Sometimes mi frustrated. Sometimes mi feel fi lef him and just make them kill him in a Bay (Montego Bay) because mi tired of it! To deal with this no easy you know, lady, and fi know seh you have to go deal with it for the rest of your life?!"

Davidson explained that her son was diagnosed with autism — a lifelong brain disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them — after many tests which began soon after she discovered that at age two, he was still not speaking.

Her son Christopher Clarke was seven when he was diagnosed as autistic at the psychiatric ward at Cornwall Regional Hospital.

"But the doctor didn't tell me what is autism. Is somebody where mi used to live did have a 'doctor dictionary' and she look up the word autism and tell me say it mean the delay of everything," Davidson said. "But mi still never know nothing 'bout autism. But mi stay with him and try with him. It was at the age of 10 that I took him out of diapers after I read a book on autism. To show you that I am working with him," she said.

As a Nurse from a Jamaican background, this story can be the story for many regardless of your cultural background. The alliance between families and providers is the key to supporting your child’s progress, but  this can be difficult for parents who have limited English proficiency or lack the knowledge and skills to access systems of care successfully.  I have always stated that It is very important for care  providers to use cultural  competence  in identifying early signs of ASD and making appropriate referrals for diagnosis and treatment. According to The Mother Company,  the average age at which a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in the United States is around four years old, most parents who ultimately get a diagnosis report having  concerns about their child’s development or behavior by the time the child is just 18 months old.  

Kudos to   Chief Saunders  of the Toronto Police  who had his son  with him at his  May 28, 2015  swearing in ceremony.

Chief Saunders says he has learned a lot from his son, mostly about listening. When you’re dealing with autism, he discovered, you have to listen to what a person means, not what he says.

“When you come home from school and say, ‘This is the worst day in my life ever. I wish I were dead,’ that translates into ‘I had a bad day’ or ‘I had a bad encounter with so and so.’ 

The chief says he learned to do things like say that he himself had suffered through a bad day or an angry encounter and that he felt bad about it. That could help the talk along.

It is no secret that health literacy increases when families understand the care needed for themselves or their children. Every child develops differently, however  understanding healthy milestones in child development is  used to help Parents and Doctors see if children are developing accordingly. Remember not every delay calls for a trip to the Doctors. But be aware. One thing that I insist on, is being  persistent  when you require medical attention of any kind. Check to see if your child is achieving these typical milestones at each age level:

By 3 to 4 months
Watches faces with interest and follows moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people; smiles at the sound of your voice
Begins to develop a social smile
Turns head toward sounds

By 7 months
Responds to other people's emotions
Enjoys face-to-face play; can find partially-hidden objects
Explores with hands and mouth; struggles for out-of-reach objects
Responds to own name
Uses voice to express joy and displeasure; babbles chains of sounds

By 12 months/1 year
Enjoys imitating people; tries to imitate sounds
Enjoys simple social games, such as “Gonna get you!”
Explores objects; finds hidden objects
Responds to “no”; uses simple gestures, such as pointing to an object
Babbles with changes in tone; may use single words (e.g., dada, mama, uh-oh!)
Turns to person speaking when his/her name is called.

By 24 months/2 years
Imitates behaviour of others; is excited about company of other children
Understands several words
Finds deeply-hidden objects; points to named pictures and objects
Begins to sort by shapes and colours; begins simple make-believe play
Recognizes names of familiar people and objects; follows simple instructions
Combines two words to communicate with others, such as “More cookie?”

By 36 months/3 years
Expresses affection openly and has a wide range of emotions
Makes mechanical toys work; plays make-believe games
Sorts objects by shape and colour and matches objects to pictures
Follows a 2- or 3-part command; uses simple phrases to communicate with others, such as “Go outside, swing?”
Uses pronouns (I, you, me) and some plurals (cars, dogs)

By 48 months/4 years
Cooperates with other children; is increasingly inventive in fantasy play
Names some colours; understands concepts of counting and time
Speaks in sentences of five to six words
Tells stories; speaks clearly enough for strangers to understand
Follows three-part commands; understands “same” and “different”

By 60 months/5 years
Wants to be like his/her friends; likes to sing, dance, and act
Is able to distinguish fantasy from reality
Shows increased independence
Can count ten or more objects and correctly name at least four colours
Speaks in sentences of more than five words; tells longer stories

 If you suspect  that your child or someone you know  has  autism spectrum disorder, please consult with your family Doctor, a developmental pediatrician. Neurologist, Psychologist. As your advocate. I am able to help you navigate the system as well as help you understand the signs that you should be reporting to your physician. Remember you are the most important part of your health care team.

This blog is dedicated to a special boy and girl  that I know

Resources use

http://www.jamaicaautism.org/

Here is a milestone chart that you can use as a guideline

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/all_checklists.pdf

http://autismcanada.org/about-autism/diagnosis/medical-diagnosis/

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/learn-signs/developmental-milestones-age

http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/news/-I-feel-like-killing-him-_14058483

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/chief-mark-saunders-high-expectations-began-at-home/article24684617/

http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/news/Today-is-World-Autism-Awareness-Day


http://www.sickkids.ca/AboutSick


http://www.autismspeaks.ca/about-autism/early-warning-signs/developmental-milestones/


http://www.autismontario.com/client/aso/ao.nsf/Toronto/Chapter+-+Contacts


http://www.autismontario.com/