Stress, lifestyle unhealthy results
It’s a fact. Men, on average, die sooner than women and its often because they’re working themselves to death. The Japanese have a word for it, karoshi.
Along with increased stress levels, come a number of work-related habits that worsen the physical and mental health situation.
Wayne Hartrick is president of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, a non-profit Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF) is a national, not for profit organisation, which along with related sites “Don’t Change Much” and “You Check” has a mission to inspire Canadian men and their families to live healthier lives
The study was released during Men’s Health Week, which leads up to Fathers Day on the third Sunday of June.
The report notes that a majority of men will go in to work even when they’re not well. A significant percentage reported they continue to work while on vacation, while half of respondents said they work extended hours.
Survey-related image from the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
The stress and hours mean many report a negative effect on the ability to get a good night’s sleep.
The stress also leads to other negative habits like skipping meals, or eating more junk food, which along with other habits or job-related issues like sitting all day, can in turn lead to other health problems like obesity, while other issues can develop such as in emotional or mental health concerns.
Hatrick notes than far more men commit suicide than women for example.
Example of survey questions and results (CMHF)
He is quick to note that the report is not all about doom and gloom, by saying it shows a number of small and simple changes can together result in a large improvement in health.
They are indicated in a related website called, “Don’t Change Much” meaning it doesn’t take a big effort to make the significant health and lifestyle changes towards improving men’s health outlook.
Additional information
- Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
- Canadian Men’s Health Foundation: Men working themselves to early grave
- You Check-Health Awareness tool
- Don’t Change Much: website-video
- CBC:Apr 22/19: How modern work pressure distorts our identity
- CBC: Passionate Eye: Jan 1/19: one of the biggest killers of men is themselves
- Canadian Press, (via CBC): Oct 28/16: Worked to death
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