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Editorial

Men’s Health: ‘I’m Glad I’m a Chick’

By: Rebecca Wright

Editor/Associate Publisher

This month it was my turn to journey through the world of men’s health. And I can tell you that my ride wasn’t nearly as interesting as my associate editor’s—Sean explored the world of women’s health in the May issue (after which he concluded: “I’m glad I’m a dude”). Here’s why: there simply isn’t as much information or analysis when it comes to men’s health.
 
While there is a small momentum shift happening in the mainstream consumer market—which is taking the time to segment out products specifically tailored for men (e.g., male grooming products, body sprays, “guy-liner” and man-bags)—it will be many years before men even come close to the amount and variety of products geared toward women. And as far as health products are concerned, there is still a long way to go.
 
One expert I interviewed was shocked at the paucity of men’s health products versus women-focused products, even though they encounter many of the same health issues—regardless of their biological differences. For instance, did you know that more men than women will die from cancer? Yet there are scores of female-centric health organizations devoted specifically to cancer and only a handful for men.
 
Another surprising thing I learned was about the Office of Men’s Health—there isn’t one. Despite years of lobbying for such an office, even putting together legislation as recently as last April, it has not materialized. Instead, the government has stored most of the information it has on men’s health within the Office of Women’s Health—go figure.
 
Biologically, men and women are different—that’s a no-brainer. We therefore have different health needs. But for all of our biological differences, experts say, men and women are more or less the same psychologically. In a review of dozens of studies, the American Psychology Association found that men and women are alike when it comes to personality, thinking ability and leadership. The differences that do exist, it claims, may reflect social expectations, not biology.
 
This became even more relevant as I read a recent JAMA study (May 19th issue) that discussed postpartum depression … in men. Called “paternal depression,” it apparently affects 10% of fathers—only about 5% of males in the general population experience depression. A majority of depressed dads (25%) were most likely to experience the “baby blues” in the first three to six months after birth.
 
I think marketers need to cultivate a healthier relationship with men and move beyond sex-fueled advertisements and sports nutrition products. Men, it appears, have feelings too, and they want many of the same things women do: products that can meet their “unique” needs, especially when it comes to their health.
 
The men’s health market is far from reaching its true potential. I think it is a completely untapped opportunity. As I wrapped up my article and reflected, I decided that I feel fortunate to have so many products at my disposal as a woman, along with an endless amount of information. For these reasons, I have to say, I’m glad I’m a chick.

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