This Men’s Health Month, we are excited to bring you an exclusive Father’s Day panel discussion featuring some of our dedicated male staff members at Advantum Health. This insightful conversation dives into crucial topics surrounding men’s health, from preventative care and mental health awareness to the importance of regular screenings and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Join us as these men, fathers, and soon-to-be dads share their personal experiences, professional insights, and actionable advice to help men everywhere take charge of their health and well-being. Whether you’re looking for tips to improve your daily routine or seeking inspiration to make lasting changes, this panel discussion is a must-read for men of all ages.
Moderator: Russell Goodwin – Events and Marketing Director
Panelists: Dennis Guillaume – Client Success Manager Executive, Nick Nonos – Senior Accountant, Scott Bennett – Client Success Director, Tarun Sharma – Vice-President, Global Product & Automation
Transcript below:
Hello and good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to Advantum Health’s Men’s Health Month panel discussion. I’m Russell Goodwin, the event and marketing director for Advantium Health, and I’ll be your moderator today.
June is Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys. Today, we have an exciting panel of four esteemed colleagues who will share their insights and personal experiences regarding men’s health. Welcome, gentlemen.
Panelist Introductions:
First, let’s meet our panelists and hear a bit about their roles at Advantum and why men’s health is important to them.
Dennis Guillaume: Thank you, Russell. I’m Dennis Guillaume, transitioning to a Customer Success Manager from the business development side. I’m 54 years old, and I’ve seen close relatives avoid the doctor, thinking health issues would just go away, but they never do. My philosophy is, “It’s only a copay away.” It’s better to know than not know.
Scott Bennett: Good afternoon. I’m Scott Bennett, a Client Success Director at Advantum. At 60 years old, men’s health is crucial to me because I want to be around for my grandchildren.
Nicholas Nonos: Hi everyone, I’m Nick Nonos, a Senior Accountant in the Finance and Accounting department. Men’s mental health is important to me because I believe in helping everyone reach their fullest potential and preventing issues that can bring us down.
Tarun Sharma: Thank you, Russell. I’m Tarun Sharma, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management Operations. Men’s health is a topic I used to ignore, but I’ve learned its importance. Even seemingly fit individuals can face unexpected health issues, so it’s crucial to focus on our health daily.
Discussion Topics:
- Avoiding Doctor Visits:
Men often avoid doctor visits and regular checkups. Why do you think this is, and how can we change this mindset?
Tarun Sharma: Men usually focus on work and daily routines, using them as excuses to avoid doctor visits. However, this mindset can have adverse effects. Regular checkups are now a part of my routine, and I feel more proactive about my health.
Scott Bennett: In my generation, men were expected to be macho and handle everything themselves. This mentality is changing, but it still persists. Social media and public awareness are helping to shift this mindset.
Dennis Guillaume: We grew up in a society that valued toughness, which translated into neglecting our health. Today, with telehealth and other convenient options, there’s no reason not to get checked out.
Nicholas Nonos: Fear of the unknown can also deter men from seeking medical help. Addressing mental barriers and encouraging open conversations about health can make a difference.
- Mental Health’s Role in Overall Well-Being:
What role does mental health play in overall well-being, and what challenges do men face in seeking help for mental health issues?
Dennis Guillaume: It’s essential to ask for help and not try to handle everything on your own. During tough times like a divorce, having someone to talk to can make a significant difference.
Tarun Sharma: Culturally, seeking mental health support is often stigmatized. Promoting counselors and unbiased support can help individuals feel more comfortable seeking help.
Scott Bennett: Friendships and open conversations are crucial. Asking a friend how they’re doing and offering support can go a long way.
Nicholas Nonos: I’ve seen friends struggle with mental health issues. Talking to a lifestyle coach has helped me, and I encourage others to seek similar support.
- Incorporating Fitness and Healthy Eating:
How do you incorporate fitness and healthy eating into your busy schedules, and what tips can you share with others?
Scott Bennett: My day starts at 4:30 AM with a workout. It’s part of my routine, and it sets the tone for my day. Nutrition is a challenge, but I aim for a high-protein, low-carb diet.
Tarun Sharma: I’m not an early bird, but I make sure to walk for 30 minutes daily. Simple activities like using stairs and walking during phone calls can add up.
Nicholas Nonos: Exercise is a great distraction and helps with both mental and physical health. Even with a newborn, I find time to sneak in workouts because it makes me feel better.
Dennis Guillaume: I used to lift weights heavily, but now I focus on walking. Eating less and staying active are my main strategies.
- Managing Stress and Work-Life Balance:
What are some things you do to manage stress and ensure a healthy work-life balance?
Nicholas Nonos: Breathing techniques help me reduce stress. Finding moments of calm in a busy day, even if it’s just a few minutes, can make a big difference.
Dennis Guillaume: As I age, I care less about small things and focus more on the present. Prioritizing family over work helps me stay grounded.
Scott Bennett: Getting my workout done early allows me to have more family time in the evenings. Friendships and social activities, like playing golf, also help manage stress.
Tarun Sharma: Joining a cricket club and opening up to my better half has helped me relax. Simple breathing exercises can also keep stress levels down.
- Preventative Care:
What are some preventative measures you personally take, and how can we encourage our colleagues to do the same?
Tarun Sharma: Regular visits to my primary care physician (PCP) are essential. Talking to a doctor whenever something feels off is crucial for early detection.
Dennis Guillaume: Having a good relationship with your doctor is vital. My doctor allows me to text her after hours, which has been incredibly helpful.
Scott Bennett: Annual physicals are a must. They can catch issues early and prevent them from becoming serious problems.
Nicholas Nonos: With a family history of health issues, I stay on top of regular checkups. Seeing positive results from healthy habits motivates me to keep going.
Closing Remarks:
Tarun Sharma: Commitment to your health is essential. Regular checkups and open communication with your doctor are vital.
Nicholas Nonos: You make time for what you want to make time for. Prioritize your health to live a long, happy life with your loved ones.
Scott Bennett: Friendships are crucial for mental health. Spend time with friends and open up about your feelings.
Dennis Guillaume: Practice what you preach. Be there for others and lead by example in taking care of your health.
Russell Goodwin: Thank you all for your valuable insights. Men’s Health Month is a reminder to advocate for ourselves, take preventative measures, and support each other in leading healthier lives. Remember, taking care of your health is a personal responsibility and a community effort.
Thank you for joining us and have a great evening!