June is designated as National Men’s Health Month and the reason I like to promote this initiative is because men are not always good at practicing preventative 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 purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and depression.
Research has shown a significant difference when it comes to the health of men compared to women. According to the CDC, the average lifespan for men is about five years less than for women, and over the years, there has been a gradual increase in this gap. 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 cancers, as compared to women. Men are also less likely to undergo treatment for mental health conditions like depression, resulting in nearly a 4 times increased likelihood of committing suicide!
The interesting thing is that there isn’t one particular reason for this health/lifespan disparity, but a number of reasons most likely contribute to this. A higher number of men do not have health insurance which means they are less likely to schedule routine doctor’s appointments. When compared to women, men make about half as many doctor’s visits for preventative care. They also tend to be employed in more dangerous occupations than women. But, probably the biggest factor that contributes to the lifespan disparity is the non-help-seeking nature with men. Statistics show 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 women and are married, have a son, brother, or friend that is a male, talk with him and tell him June is National Men’s Health Month. Use it as a conversation starter. Tell them you are concerned about their health and want them to take care of themselves! Encourage them to make an appointment with a healthcare provider, or join you with an exercise plan, like walking. Getting screened at a healthcare provider is one of the most important things you can encourage them to do. Men should be screened if they have certain risk factors, such has 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 age 50 (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 screening, blood pressure and weight/heights should also be done at the visit.
Other measures to help men maintain good health includes staying updated on all vaccinations. Immunizations keep your body’s immune system functioning at its highest level. It’s also important to try and control stress since stress is linked to higher blood pressure and body weight. Limit alcohol consumption, don’t smoke, and wear a seat belt. Watch what you eat. 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 3-4 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