A Consultant Family Physician and Public Health Specialist, Dr. Adesida Adewumi has stated that societal expectations continue to compound the complex health challenges men face — spanning physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday in Abuja to mark Father’s Day, Adewumi emphasized the urgent need to address men’s health through a holistic and proactive approach.
Father’s Day, celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June, honours fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the vital influence of fathers in society.
According to Adewumi, men aged between 20 and 60 are the most vulnerable to these multi-layered health issues, often exacerbated by silence, stigma around vulnerability, and a reluctance to seek help.
“Physical health conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are rampant, frequently linked to obesity and sedentary lifestyles,” he said.
He also highlighted sexual health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and low testosterone levels as increasingly common, alongside rising cases of substance abuse and sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia.
On mental health, Adewumi cited widespread cases of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout, driven by financial strain, work pressures, and family responsibilities. Addiction, he noted, often serves as an unhealthy coping mechanism.
“Men are more likely to die by suicide due to their use of more lethal means and a general reluctance to seek professional help,” he said.
He added that many men also face spiritual struggles, particularly during midlife crises or periods of career stagnation, often compounded by disconnection from faith communities and lingering guilt or shame.
Social health is another pressing area. Adewumi pointed to the breakdown of relationships, career-induced isolation, and the dual burden of being a provider and an emotionally engaged parent as significant stressors.
“The intersecting pressures of performance expectations, long work hours, financial insecurity, and poor work-life balance significantly impact men’s overall well-being,” he explained.
To counter these challenges, Adewumi encouraged men to adopt healthier lifestyles, starting with a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. He also recommended at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
He stressed the need for routine health screenings — including checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer — as well as sexual health evaluations and open communication with healthcare providers.
“Men should limit alcohol, quit smoking, and avoid recreational drug use. At work, they should prioritize safety by using proper protective gear and ergonomic setups,” he advised.
He also advocated for financial literacy programs, career counseling, flexible work arrangements, and male mentorship opportunities in schools and workplaces.
“Men must be trained in effective communication — including the use of emotional vocabulary and active listening — to foster healthier relationships,” he said.
Encouraging active fatherhood, he said, not only strengthens family bonds but also boosts men’s self-worth.
Dr. Adewumi concluded that sustainable well-being for men requires comprehensive health education, regular medical check-ups, community support, and positive environments at home and at work.
