Long before the masks, the sanitizers, and the safety protocols, naturopathic doctors (and healthcare workers in general) have faced an entirely different medical phenomenon – a dismally low ratio of male to female patients. In fact, research has shown that more than 40% of men do not consult their medical professionals unless the situation is extremely dire.
What a strange statistic to have, eh? And why is it the way that it is?
The most common excuse that is presented to healthcare workers is the complaint of a “busy schedule”, but after digging into the data, it’s actually more complex of an issue than you might think! No – men are not magically healthier than women on a whole (quite the opposite, in fact). And no – women do not magically have more time and/or money to spend on taking care of their health than men do. Multiple studies suggest that, while the cause of this widespread reluctance is multifactorial, there are two main culprits that account for the bulk of these cases: The antiquated idea that a “manly man” should either power through discomfort, or become self-reliant on solving their own issues, despite not having the appropriate tools to do so. The fear of being handed an undesirable diagnosis, and opting to ignore symptoms rather than facing this reality head on.
As a naturopathic doctor with a central focus on men’s health concerns, it’s my mission to get to the root cause of the issues that my patients present with. That’s why, I believe, it is so important to draw attention to this reality, and challenge men to become aware of their own biases when it comes to seeking medical attention.
Do you relate with either of the statements above? Perhaps, you relate to both! Or maybe (just maybe), there’s an entirely different reason why you’ve been neglecting your health goals. Regardless of the rationale, there has never been a better time to start than right now. With Sage’s secure telemedicine consultations (via Jane App), you can begin your health journey with a naturopathic doctor right from the comfort of your own home.
Still not sure if naturopathic medicine is for you? Book a FREE 15 minute meet & greet call to learn more!
’Til then… stay healthy, my dudes.
Dr. E