While I am applauding the efforts by Ministries of Health in Provinces and Territories in Canada, in all efforts to help resolve some of the disparities in health and health outcome, wish to illuminate one unintended consequence of “progress”. Many evidenced initiatives have been long under-way which is now bringing health and wellness to the women and children of Canada. Yes, much is being done, while so much more could be done, and the challenges are many. Competing interests for limited funding has been one such barrier to better services and better outcomes, while competing for dollars with infrastructure (safe water, roads and sewers a priority for many communities, Education also continues to have needs, while the Environment is also on everyone’s radar screen and a Big Political Platform). Reducing Wait Times has been the “BIG” focus for Federal and Provincial Governments, while who is not wanting to improve the vision of senior drivers with cataracts.

There is an obvious disparity in many health areas, such as Heart health Priorities and response for men, versus, what we all know is short-comings in “women’s heart health and diabetes care”. This is tragic and devastating for families that lose spouses, mother’s, sister’s and Grand-mothers…as their presentations differ and the response….differs.

What is getting alot of attention and massive amounts of money…are being exploited out of the entire “system” of prevention, screening, treatment, response and support…all pointing to the “Pink Ribbon Enterprise” (companies who use the logo, donate very little and what is collected is lost to huge bureaucracies and inflated salaries for CEO’s and Executive Directors…of the many Charitable Organizations that are also exploitative. This is not to say we should not care…we sure should…we should care there are “victims” of this exploitation….the very women, families and children…who are impacted by Breast Cancer…any type of Cancer really…all others getting less publicity…less funding,…and you can figure this out also….this is one of the most profound…unethical social justice issues of our time …for the sake of a “cause” so many other’s get so few…profits for companies and coffers for charities…we all should rally around this “cause”…against this exploitation and victimization.

One such victimized group (beside the women and families this nonsense does not support or advocate for)…is Men. Most all issues of Men’s Health is falling off the charts in terms of focus and priority, yet we know there is much that Prevention Education and Screening can do to say lives and years of quality living. Most men have families, who will miss them, miss their contribution to families and contributions to society. WE need greater emphasis on Men’ s Mental Health…and all the aspects and consequences of substance abuse and domestic violence. Men’s Health Screening is clearly under-prioritized and under-funded. Prostate Exams, Colo-rectal screening…and for one moment think about what it may mean when there is “Nurse Practitioner services and Nurse Led Clinics evolving…most of that is focused on women’s health and children (this certainly is important) while very very few men in nursing and especially under represented in Advanced Practice Nursing.

I do hope that the reader of this entry, will be supportive of breaking done the barriers to more men entering nursing (one solution to the nursing shortage)…but also advocate for your Dad’s, your brother’s, perhaps your husband’s health.

I will return to this topic, while do know that I am developing a website, specifically for men. For your mental health, for your personal growth and development….to conceptualize the ways and means to leave a legacy visit transformativeliving.net

And BE well, BE an Advocate, BE a voice for social justice,

Dave