Imagine this: a father pushing his child in a stroller, fulfilling his duties as a father, seen as attractive and potentially “the new kind of manly.” Author Katrin Bennhold describes this new definition of masculinity in her article, “In Sweden, Men Can Have It All,” as a “most striking example of social engineering.” Ms. Bennhold...Continue reading
Category: Policy
Protect Medicare Part D
It’s budget season in Washington, D.C., and it seems like nearly everything is on the table as lawmakers discuss how to tackle the federal deficit. In particular, some legislators are considering proposals that would make big changes to the Medicare prescription drug program, Part D, that could raise out-of-pocket costs and potentially reduce the choices...Continue reading
The Eroding (Ok, Eroded) Masculinity of the American Male
When you reflect on what it means to be a Man, you probably think in much the same way as generations of men have before you. The tough Western cowboy, the dutiful soldier, or the heroic fireman. Chances are you don’t consider Adam Sandler’s Billy Madison, Seth McFarlane’s Peter Griffin, or any of the current...Continue reading
American Men (and Women) Have Shorter Lives Than Counterparts in Other Rich Nations
On average, Americans die sooner and experience higher rates of disease and injury than people in other high-income countries, says a new report from the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. The report finds that this health disadvantage exists at all ages from birth to age 75 and that even advantaged Americans — those...
Literary Convention and the Slaughter of Innocent Children
As we try to absorb the tragic events at the school shooting in New Town, Connecticut, various sages have come out of the background to tell us what it all means, and what we can do about it. Gun control advocates – long ignored by our political leaders – have told us, reasonably enough, that...
Making a Difference in Health Care Policy: The Campaign for Modern Medicines
Earlier this week on Lillypad, I told you why I’m passionate about getting involved in the public policies that impact healthcare in this country. My goal is to help people recognize how important health issues are affected by policy decisions made in D.C. and in state capitals around the nation–and to empower them to engage...Continue reading
Sharing Voices in Health Care Policy: LillyPad
Public policy is more than acronyms or rhetoric. Public policy shapes the direction of our country, specifically our health system. Decisions made on Capitol Hill directly impact individuals and the pharmaceutical industry alike. That’s why in 2010, my colleagues and I at Eli Lilly and Company launched LillyPad. We’re committed to engaging in a public...Continue reading
Men and Suicide: Much More Than a Mental-Health Issue
Anyone who’s ever looked at suicide statistics knows that men are 3-4 times more likely to kill themselves than women are (women, however, attempt suicide more). But what a lot of people don’t realize is that men in lower socio-economic groups—especially men in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—are significantly more likely to commit suicide than...Continue reading
Parental Divorce Linked to Stroke in Males
Men with divorced parents are significantly more likely to suffer a stroke than men from intact families, shows a new study from the University of Toronto. The study, to be published this month in the International Journal of Stroke, shows that adult men who had experienced parental divorce before they turned 18 are three times...Continue reading
A Wake-Up Call on Men’s Health
Did you know that more than half of premature deaths among men are preventable? How ‘bout that 7 million men haven’t seen a healthcare provider for a decade or more? Still standing? Okay, how about that two thirds of men wouldn’t get help from a healthcare professional if they were experiencing two of the most...Continue reading