MEN'S HEALTH MANIFESTO
Barry Rich MD

No question, women get a raw deal in many ways in this society, but what is often not appreciated is the fact that, so do men. Men as a group have not yet found voice the way that women as a group have. Itâs not surprising. Most men prefer to remain silent ( strong is associated with silent, right?) This hides their vulnerability. who wants to be labeled a wimp?

Why are Women's Hospitals in every major North American city, but no Men's Hospitals?

Why are there freestanding Mammography Screening Centers all over British Columbia, but the medical plan will not fund PSA screening for men because it is not "cost effective"?

Consider this:

• Men die an average of 8 years sooner than their female cohorts. The reasons for this are not entirely clear. It is not merely the protective effect of estrogens.
• Yes, men commit 90% of the violence, much of it against women, but the greatest violence is directed against one another. Deaths from homicide, trauma and suicide kill far more men in North American society than women.

What makes men so violent, so silent, and so discontented these days?

The following is adapted from B. Zilbergeld's The New Male Sexuality and

J. Hollis' Under Saturn's Shadow: The Wounding and Healing of Men

• Men have a very tortuous route to consolidate their identities. The male begins in the care and nurturing of his mother. At some point, still undefined, he is expected to shift his identity to the male culture. Male role models are often absent or silent. Many fathers were/are either alcoholic or workaholic.
• Manhood is conditional. Lose your job, strike out with the bases loaded as a child, or lose your erection at a critical moment, and you're finished. Women just don't have that kind of pressure.
• Men's roles in society are as restrictive as women's, only in different ways. Traditionally this meant go to work, mow the lawn, easy on the beer. How different is that from "barefoot & pregnant"?
• Women's expectations of men have changed. To be in touch with one's feminine side is a frightening prospect for most men. In the past, when men showed our vulnerability there were usually negative consequences, and there still are in many cases.
• If he can't get in touch with his feelings it makes life difficult for the people living with him, but it is even more frustrating to the man himself, not knowing what his feelings are and pretending not to care.
• SEX ? Committed, loving, gentle, are in. Casual and lustful are out. But not all the rules have changed. It is still seen as the man's job to initiate, and especially, to perform.

SO WHAT'S THE POINT ?

Medicine and society are changing at a breathtaking speed. Knowledge of sexual physiology, sexual behavior, attitudes, the determinants of mood, the effects of hormones, brain biochemistry, hi-risk behavior, etc. etc. is expanding on a daily basis. In addition to attracting potential vasectomies, it is hoped that this web site will also provide a commentary, and eventually, a dialogue, on some of these findings and their implications and applications to Men's health, for people, physicians, healthcare providers, and most importantly for mankind (as well as womankind)! At the moment this is a one-man-show. Anyone wishing to contribute to the effort, (effort or funds) can contact me by e-mail.