Rocky launches anonymous hotline
By Derek Winkler
Toronto-based Rocky, a medical firm specializing in men’s health, has introduced an anonymous telephone hotline that consumers can use to discuss potentially embarrasing issues such as hair loss and erectile dysfunction. Calls to the service, at 1-833-GUY-CHAT, are answered by the company CEO, Aba Anton, or by a licensed doctor or pharmacist. According to the company, the phone line is intented to allow men to receive accurate information about health issues they would prefer not to bring up with friends, family or their doctors. Consumers can also request information by email at chat@myrocky.ca.
“What we're seeing is that, because men don't want to talk about these issues openly, they turn to the internet which makes them targets for fake information and scam treatments,” said Anton. “I was one of those guys, so I know. A lot of guys are embarrassed to talk to their partners, let alone doctors. Compounding the issue further, once they finally have the courage to get treatment, it can take weeks to get into a doctor's office. An anonymous hotline can get guys to open up and set them on a path to treatment faster.”