Men Need To Stay Healthy Too
The month of June is dedicated to bringing awareness to the health issues that men are commonly affected by. The observance of Men’s Health Month started in 1992 by the Men’s Health Network. They wanted to educate both men and women about diseases and problems that affect men at higher rates than women. There are many ways to support Men’s Health Month and the mission of the Men’s Health Network.
What are the goals of Men’s Health Month?
Men’s Health Month aims to encourage men to be proactive in staying healthy. On average, men go to the doctor half as much as women do and die five years earlier than women. According to the Men’s Health Network, Men’s Health Month is built on the pillars of Awareness, Prevention, Education, and Family. “This month is a reminder to talk to health professionals and to learn about important screenings that assist with finding conditions before they get worse,” said Darryl Davidson, Director of Men's Health for the Northwest Health Center in Milwaukee. There is a large focus on getting ahead of preventable diseases and recognizing health risks before they get out of hand. Many people are not aware of what diseases men are most likely to develop, so the educational aspect of Men’s Health Month ranks high in importance.
Which conditions are more prevalent in men?
Unfortunately, there are certain illnesses that men have a higher chance of getting. Heart disease is the leading killer of men. Coronary heart disease, the type of heart disease where the arteries of the heart cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the heart, is one of the most common forms of heart disease that men are diagnosed with. Men are also at a greater risk of having cancer. The most common forms of cancer found in men are skin, prostate, colorectal, and lung. Type 2 diabetes is another disease that men are more likely to have that can affect their overall health. You can lower your risk of developing it by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and being aware of your cholesterol and blood pressure. Senior men are considered at risk for multiple illnesses and should schedule appointments to get screened for them regularly. Some of the most important tests to request are blood pressure, colorectal cancer, abdominal aortic aneurysm, depression, type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, and STDs. Stay aware of these conditions and your own health history. Older men’s dietary needs are different from younger men’s. They typically require more calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and potassium. It is also important to stay active and to regularly use sunscreen. Men also tend to silently struggle with mental health problems. Male depression often goes undiagnosed, with the common symptoms being fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest in work or hobbies. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional or a loved one for support.
How can I support Men’s Health Month?
There are many ways you can support the mission of Men’s Health Month. Using #MensHealthMonth and #ShowUsYourBlue on any social media platform is encouraged. The week of June 13th is National Men’s Health Week, so you can plan activities that focus on the health of the men in your life. You can also organize a “Wear Blue” day. Wear Blue is an organization that was created by the Men’s Health Network to create awareness about common men’s health issues. The organization also raises money to provide educational materials on men’s health to a variety of groups and communities. June 17th is Wear Blue for Men’s Mental Health Day to bring awareness to the mental health issues that many men are facing. However, you can wear blue all throughout the month to show the men in your life that you support them. Reducing the stigma around men seeking help for both physical and mental health issues is one of the main purposes of Men’s Health Month, so do what you can to encourage the men around you to retire any reluctance about addressing any problems they are facing.
How Can Healthcare Express Help Men Stay Healthy?
Healthcare Express is committed to providing the best medical care to every person that walks through our doors. Our goal is to eliminate any anxiety or hesitancy around going to the doctor while providing quick & effective medical care. We recognize the importance of Men’s Health Month and men seeking out the proper health care they need in order to be happy and healthy. Being sick and going to the doctor can be scary, but we assure you that we will do everything in our power to make it a good experience for you.
Give us a call today or come visit us at one of our many locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
