Men’s health needs a wake-up call
Men’s health is at a crossroad, and this conversation is one every man (and every employer, partner, teammate and friend) needs to hear.
In this episode of ConnectForHealth, host Scott Armstrong, Founder of mentl, and co-host Maissa Al Khafajy, Head of Government Affairs & Strategic Communications at Cigna Healthcare MEA, sit down with Dr Ed Cody, Consultant Family Medicine at Mediclinic Middle East, to explore the hidden drivers shaping men’s physical and mental well-being.
From chronic stress to disrupted sleep, low mood, burnout, digestive issues and the symptoms men tend to hide – this is a practical, honest and surprisingly relatable look at what’s really going on in men’s lives today.
Dr Ed also opens up about his personal journey with stress, fear of getting help, and the realities men face when navigating modern pressures. This is one of the most impactful, human episodes yet.
Topics include:
•Why men in the UAE report high stress
•Why men delay seeking help until “something is leaking or falling off”
•How stress physically affects weight, digestion, energy and performance
•The link between cortisol, burnout and chronic health issues
•Why men struggle with emotional expression
•Mental health stigma in the workplace
•The pressures facing fathers, partners and working men
•How companies can support male wellbeing
•How to recognise the early signs of troubl, in yourself or someone you care about
This episode is part of ConnectForHealth, a well-being initiative by Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa in partnership with mentl, recorded live for Cigna members and available afterwards on podcast and YouTube.
⏱️ CHAPTER LIST
0:00 – Welcome to ConnectForHealth
1:08 – Introducing Dr Ed Cody
2:54 – Why vague symptoms often come from stress
4:57 – The mind-body connection for men
6:22 – Why men wait too long to seek medical help
11:52 – “Men don’t come in until something is leaking or falling off”
14:28 – Scott’s ADHD diagnosis & men’s fear of seeking help
17:36 – How stress shows up physically
18:54 – Cortisol, weight gain & stress-related symptoms
22:07 – Recognising when stress becomes chronic
24:25 – Pressure on men in work & family life
28:40 – How employers can support men’s mental health
33:10 – The truth about burnout
37:45 – What men can do to support their emotional health
41:50 – The role of sleep in men’s wellbeing
45:40 – Breaking stigma & normalising conversations
48:55 – Final advice from Dr Ed
50:50 – Closing comments
