June eHealth —
Men’s Health Month

June brings us the national observance of Men’s Health Month. Not only does it spotlight the physical well-being of males, it also reminds us that, typically, men do not like to talk about or seek help for a mental health issue.

Mental Health and Men

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men with mental illnesses are less likely to have received mental health treatment in the past year than women. In addition, men are more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Recognizing the signs that you or someone you love may have a mental disorder is the first step toward getting treatment. The earlier that treatment begins, the more effective it can be.

Men and women can develop most of the same mental disorders but may experience different symptoms. Visit the National Institute for Mental Health for a list of some of the symptoms of mental health conditions.

There is help for mental disorders. If you are unsure of where to go for help, ask your family doctor or visit NIMH’s Help for Mental Illnesses webpage. Communicating well with your health care provider can improve your care and help you both make good choices about your health. Read about tips to help prepare and get the most out of your visit.

Pearson offers several resources for help with mental illness:

Take advantage of MDLIVE Therapy. As a Pearson employee, you have access to MDLIVE Therapy, where you can receive behavioral health therapy right in the comfort of your own home.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides unlimited, no cost, telephonic counseling and up to five, free face-to-face or video sessions. Visit Cigna EAP or call 1.800.593.4138 to find out more information.
Care Management Programs: These programs offered by Anthem, Cigna and Aetna offer the assistance of behavioral specialists for mental health care
Psychological and psychiatric care are part of your medical plan coverage. Visit Anthem, Cigna or Aetna websites to search for providers

Prostate Cancer — Only Skin Cancer is More Common in Men

Many men with prostate cancer have no noticeable symptoms. Often, the first sign of the disease is an abnormal finding on a routine screening exam, or you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

A frequent urge or inability to urinate, or waking often during the night to urinate
Trouble starting or holding back urine flow
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
Painful ejaculation or trouble getting an erection

Speak with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms so that you can be sure to get a proper diagnosis and treatment if needed. Remember, too, your annual physical and age-appropriate screening (both covered at 100% by Pearson) can make all the difference in detecting prostate cancer at its earliest.

Testicular Cancer

The average age at the time of diagnosis of testicular cancer is 33. This is largely a disease of young and middle-aged men, but about 6% of cases occur in children and teens, and about 8% occur in men over the age of 55. The good news is that the cure rate for testicular cancer is excellent — greater than 95 percent for all men with testis cancer. While it's not clear what causes testicular cancer, in most cases (click here for possible risk factors) doctors know that it occurs when healthy cells become altered. These cancer cells continue dividing and form a mass.

Erectile Dysfunction

Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction (ED) is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. The condition can also be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs treatment and is a risk factor for heart disease.

If you're concerned about ED, talk to your doctor — even if you're embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other treatments might be needed.

Breast Cancer — It’s Not Just a Women’s Issue

When breast cancer is mentioned, it is primarily about women being impacted. While relatively small in number, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2019, there were roughly 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer among men and 500 deaths. Speak with your doctor during your annual physical (covered at 100% in-network) about any concerns you may have.

On-Demand Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Webinars

Stealth Stressors: Life in the Digital Age

1:00 p.m. CDT Live Webinar

Mental Health: You Can Make a Difference

On-Demand Webinar (available 24/7)

Click here and scroll down to: On-Demand Replays: Health & Wellness

To register or see a complete list of 2020 webinars,

Click here!

Crisis Corner:

We can all help prevent suicide. Are you or someone you know in crisis? Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or Text “BRAVE” to 731731 to access free and confidential support 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

For those who have or are experiencing domestic violence, the resources listed by Futures Without Violence can provide support, and most are available 24/7.

Sources: The Mayo Clinic; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; National Institute of Mental Health

For eligible employees of Pearson Education, Inc. and the affiliated operating companies of Pearson Education, Inc. that participate in these Pearson-sponsored benefit plans.

June eHealth —Men’s Health Month