Oral

Panelist will discuss the interrelationships between men’s health and the health of their families. Whether linked by genetics, environmental, or social conditions the health of men and their families should not be evaluated or addressed in isolation. For example, the physical and mental health of fathers is largely viewed as of little or no significance to the well-being of offspring. However, fathers and children share a highly interactive behavioral, emotional and genetic relationship. Both paternal and maternal psychiatric disorders are associated with similarly increased risks of behavioral and emotional difficulties in children. In some cases, interventions to address men’s health may be best approached through important referents such as mothers and wives. In other cases, the poor health and premature mortality of men have significant impacts on the health of family members.

Session Objectives: Articulate how men's health status directly impacts family health. Identify at least three major medical that may impact children adversely if not addressed among fathers. Discuss the relationship between psychological disorders in male parents and behavioral and emotional disorders in children. Identify the reciprocal determinism of men's health promotion efforts and its impact on significant others.