Breaking the Stigma: A Journey into Men’s Health with Mark Pequignot, DNP, FNP-C
At OnePeak Medical, we’re dedicated to making men’s health more prevalent and accessible. In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we sat down with Family Nurse Practitioner Mark Pequignot, DNP, FNP-C, to shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities in men’s health. In this blog, we share Mark’s insights on creating a comfortable environment for men to discuss their health concerns and tackle the stigma surrounding men’s health.
The Silent Struggle
Men, by nature, often find it challenging to communicate about health issues. Mark has observed this firsthand. “We often don’t talk about our health with family or friends, and when we do, it can feel awkward and uncomfortable,” he says. “There can be a lot of embarrassment, and discussing our healthcare concerns/issues can leave us feeling emasculated.”
Bridging the Gap with Education
Mark believes that education is crucial. “It’s important to get accurate information out there and encourage men to take an individualized approach to their health,” he emphasizes. “My role is to present information and options, helping men take control and work on a mutual plan of care. When patients are motivated and engaged, the outcomes are much more positive.”
Navigating the Maze of Health Products
The world of men’s health products can be overwhelming. Many options are overlooked because they are expensive, compounded, or lack sufficient research. “This is especially true for hormone treatments like testosterone,” Mark notes. “Exciting developments in this area provide patients more options, but we need to talk about them more openly.”
Often, men attribute issues like erectile dysfunction or loss of sex drive to life factors, but these tend to be related to hormonal decline. In addition to erectile dysfunction, Mark shares, “Symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, and stress can be effectively addressed through testosterone replacement therapy.” He also highlights, “At OnePeak Medical, our approach is all about helping men achieve a younger, more functional state of health through an individualistic strategy.”
A Message to the Hesitant
For many men, taking the first step toward seeking help can be the hardest. Mark’s message is clear: “To any man hesitating to seek help, remember: you are not alone. Struggling in silence can negatively impact your health, mental state, relationships, and overall well-being. It’s important to address these issues head-on and seek support from friends, family, and healthcare providers.” To those who are hesitant to take the first step, Mark shares that, “At OnePeak Medical, we focus on an individualistic approach, and you might be surprised by our supportive and innovative environment.”
Encouragement and Individualistic Approach
Day-to-day life can be more enjoyable if we are proactive about our health. Don’t wait until problems escalate. Challenge yourself to begin your healthcare journey today. Your health is in your hands—take the first step toward a better, healthier you. OnePeak Medical is here to support you and get to the root of your healthcare concerns together.