ArmenPress
April 7 2004

NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH MONTH KICKED OFF

YEREVAN, APRIL 7, ARMENPRESS: Today when Armenia marks the
Motherhood and Beauty day, the biggest “Armenia” Medical Center has
announced the National Men’s Health Month, the purpose of which is to
heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage
early detection and treatment of disease among men over 40.
The month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the
media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men to seek
regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
All medical examinations will be carried out by the Center’s
diagnostic department, equipped with advanced electronics and will be
free of charge.
According to experts, men have higher age-adjusted death rates
than women for the 15 leading causes of death. Multiple factors
contribute to the elevated health risks of men. These factors include
economic marginality, adverse working conditions and gendered coping
responses to stress that lead to high levels of substance use, other
damaging behaviors and an aversion to protective health behaviors.
Beliefs about masculinity and manhood that are deeply rooted in
culture and supported by social institutions play a role in shaping
the behavior patterns of men in ways that have negative consequences
for their health.
Several prominent Armenian men, including health minister Norayr
Davidian, were the first to be examined today. “Recognizing and
preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because
of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health
is truly a family issue. Women are happy when they have healthy men
next to them,” he said.