Page 22 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 8 2025

ESTATE MATTERS
ESTATE MATTERS
LIFESTYLE
DIGITAL INTERVENTIONS

FOR MEN WHO HABITUALLY AVOID GOING TO THE DOCTOR

A persistent challenge

is to encourage South
B Y NIC OLA KILL OPS African men to seek
medical advice or
attend regular health
screenings. Despite

increased access to
health information
in today’s digital age,

many South African men
remain under-engaged
in managing their own
health. Women fare
better in this regard.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY MEROPA COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF PHARMA DYNAMICS

sing hypertension (high blood indicating that this trend is consistent across PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP MEN
pressure) as an example, studies different cultures and regions worldwide. MAKE BETTER USE OF ONLINE
show that men lag behind in HEALTH RESOURCES:
Uhypertension awareness and THE POTENTIAL OF AI IN MEN’S
treatment - often due to socio-cultural norms, HEALTH 1. Use credible sources: Rely on
economic pressures and limited healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising reputable websites such as the
access during working hours. Health experts healthcare by providing personalised health National Department of Health
and industry leaders are now calling for a information and recommendations. AI- and the World Health Organisation.
shift in approach to better support men in powered chatbots and virtual assistants can MyDynamics, is another credible
managing their long-term health, starting with offer immediate responses to health queries, website that was developed by
how to use digital resources effectively. helping men make informed decisions about Pharma Dynamics to provide South
their health. These tools can guide users on Africans with quality information
THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN MEN’S when to seek professional medical advice, relating to various health
HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR interpret symptoms and even schedule conditions.
While men are active internet users, they tend appointments.
to search for health-related information online 2. Leverage AI tools responsibly:
far less frequently than women. An extensive Nicole Jennings, spokesperson for Pharma Use AI-powered health apps
German study involving over 950 patients Dynamics, emphasises the importance of and chatbots for preliminary
found that women are not only more inclined leveraging digital tools for health. “Men often assessments and to understand
to search for health information online, but delay seeking medical advice due to various symptoms. Do keep in mind,
also do so with stronger emotional and social reasons, including societal expectations and however, that AI can make
motivations. time constraints. Embracing digital health mistakes and should not be
tools can bridge this gap, offering accessible used to replace the advice or
The study also revealed that men and women and immediate health information that diagnosis of a qualified healthcare
differ in how they interact with healthcare encourages proactive health management.” professional.
professionals online. Men, for instance, 3. Schedule regular screenings:
showed more interest in developing virtual THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR Use online platforms to book
relationships with their doctors, such as HEALTH SCREENINGS appointments for routine health
through online consultations, booking Regular health screenings are vital for check-ups and screenings.
appointments digitally and receiving test early detection and prevention of diseases.
results via email. These findings suggest Jennings says men between 45 and 4. Stay informed: Subscribe to health
that digital health tools should be tailored 50 should undergo physical exams and newsletters and follow trusted
differently for men and women – with women screenings annually for conditions such as health organisations on social
responding more to socially driven, engaging high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes media to stay updated on health
content and men potentially benefiting and prostate cancer. Early detection tips and news.
more from structured virtual health services significantly increases the chances of 5. Engage in online communities:
offered by general practitioners and clinics. successful treatment and can prevent Participate in online forums
complications. “A lack of action can result
Similar patterns of gender differences in in late diagnoses of conditions that might and support groups to share
experiences and gain insights into
online health-seeking behaviour have been have been more easily managed or treated if managing health conditions.
observed in studies from various countries, detected earlier,” she adds.
20 DPL issue 8 2025
6 DPL issue 5 2025