As International Men\u2019s Health Week winds down on Friday June 16, Â鶹ӳ»´«Ã½ assistant professor of health sciences Michael Rovito continues to advocate for the establishment of a national men\u2019s health office. That\u2019s because none currently exist, although there are roughly a dozen offices dedicated to women\u2019s health across the nation.<\/p>\n
He wants to increase education about men\u2019s health issues that often go overlooked. With the Men\u2019s Health Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy behavior and habits in the male community, Rovito is pushing for policy creation or change in regards to cancer screenings.<\/p>\n
Currently, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, an institution that is influential in clinical practices and the driving force in many medical policies, advises against self-exams for testicular cancer because it may cause unnecessary anxiety surrounding the issue. However, the benefits of these exams outweigh the risks, Rovito said.<\/p>\n
On a local level, Rovito and the MHI have been helping men in the Central Florida area through outreach events designed to educate both men and women on men\u2019s health issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can actually almost see that change from a position of powerlessness to one of empowerment, that switch when you start talking to (patients) and they get a little bit more relaxed and they become more confident,\u201d Rovito says. \u201cThat\u2019s really a fulfilling feeling. The best part is you\u2019re instrumental in helping that change in someone.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the years, Rovito says he has seen a shift in the men\u2019s health field and during these events toward a bigger emphasis on educating fathers about health and exploring their role in developing healthy behavior.<\/p>\n