WOMEN are generally more in touch with their health than men. I notice more women than men write to me about their own health and their partner’s. And studies confirm women are more likely to consult their GP.
In part, it can be down to women having contact with doctors from a younger age, due to menstrual and contraceptive issues. Last week, a report from men’s health charity Movember said that when men do visit a GP they often feel rushed or that concerns are downplayed. Some reported a lack of personal rapport with the doctor, which put them off visiting again.
As a society we need to give men space and time to open up about their physical and mental health. Advocate for yourself, too. If you feel you haven’t been heard by a medical professional, get a second opinion.
I want to hear more from men – no matter how small they think a problem is – for a men’s health edition of my column. Most read in Health Meanwhile, here’s what some female readers asked this week. In fear now I'm a mum Q: I’VE got general health anxiety since becoming a mum.
What can I do about this? A: Worrying thoughts and anxious feelings are pretty common when you have a baby. You now have to be healthy in order to look after this little one that is suddenly outside your body in the big wide world full of all its germs, diseases and other risks. Health anxiety is when these thoughts and emotions have become debilitating.
It’s related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and a person w.