June is designated as National Men’s Health Month, an initiative I like to promote because men are not always good at practicing preventive health measures. This month is all about encouraging the men in our lives to take care of their bodies by eating right, exercising, and preventing disease. The goal is to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and depression.
Research has revealed a significant difference in the health of men compared to women. According to the CDC, the average lifespan for men is about five years less than that of women, and this gap has gradually increased over the years. The top three causes of death for men include heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries. Men are almost twice as likely as women to die of heart attacks and significantly more likely to die of cancer. Men are also less likely to undergo treatment for mental health conditions like depression, resulting in a nearly quadruple likelihood of committing suicide!
Interestingly, there isn’t one particular reason for this health/lifespan disparity; instead, a number of factors most likely contribute. For example, a higher number of men do not have health insurance compared to women, and men also tend to be employed in more dangerous occupations. However, the most significant contributing factor is likely the non-help-seeking nature of men. Statistics show that women are 33% more likely to visit their doctor and 100% better at maintaining screening and preventive services than men. Preventive visits are essential to improving health, regardless of age or gender.
So, what can we do to help men live longer? If you are a woman and are married, have a son, brother, or male friend, talk with him and tell him about National Men’s Health Month. Tell him that you are concerned about his health and want him to take care of himself! Encourage him to make an appointment with a healthcare provider or join you on an exercise plan, like walking. Getting screened by a healthcare provider is one of the most important things you can encourage him to do. Men should be screened if they have certain risk factors, such as a family history of certain diseases or weight changes. Routine bloodwork includes screenings for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver issues, anemia, and cholesterol. After the age of 40, men should have prostate exams. A colonoscopy is another recommendation to assess for colon cancer for those aged 50 and older (or sooner if there is a family history). A CT lung scan is another common practice for those over 50 who currently smoke or have smoked in the past to check for lung cancer. A depression, blood pressure, and height/weight screening should also be done at the visit.
Other measures to help men maintain good health include staying updated on all vaccinations, which keep your body’s immune system functioning at its highest level. It’s also important to try to control stress since it is linked to higher blood pressure and body weight. Limit alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, wear a seat belt, and watch what you eat. Also, eating large amounts of processed foods (or foods high in sodium or fat) predisposes people to medical conditions. Focusing on eating lean proteins and foods, eating fruits and vegetables, and exercising three to four times a week for 30 minutes will help keep your body healthy and hopefully extend your life! Happy Father’s Day!
References
- https://axesspointe.org/blog/5-tips-for-mens-health-month,5 Tips for Men’s Health, Vikil Girdhar, MD, May 28, 2021
- https://nationaltoday.com/national-mens-health-month
