Men’s Health Month

Men’s Health Month

June is Men’s Health Month! This month is all about encouraging all the men in your life to take care of their overall health. Men’s Health Month is an annual campaign created to raise awareness of all the preventable diseases men face and to encourage early detection and treatment. The main goal of this month is to encourage men to take control of their health issues with proper screening and care. Did you know that on average, men die almost five years earlier than women? Part of the reason why this is true is because men are typically more hesitant to go to the doctor. Men can suffer from many preventable diseases which could be avoided by regular doctors visits. This month gives health care providers and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for preventable diseases and injuries.

According to the American Cancer Society, there are approximately 175,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed each year. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men and affects one in nine men. It is especially important this month to encourage men to seek care to be screened for prostate cancer. The earlier prostate cancer is caught, the easier it will be to be contained. Prostate cancer can typically grow slower than most cancers, so it should not require immediate attention but it is always better to get ahead and stay on the safe side.

Mental health has always been one of the most stigmatized issues affecting men. The American Psychological Association reports that more than 30% of men have suffered from depression or anxiety in their lifetime. Men have always been notorious for not talking about their feelings because it can be seen as being vulnerable which causes a lot of men to be uncomfortable. It can be scary to talk about our problems because it forces us to acknowledge there is a problem. So, encourage the men in your life to talk about how they are feeling, how their day was, and help them open up to you. Men who can express their feelings verbally are less likely to express them violently. Working out our problems improves our mental health which will then improve our overall health.

It is especially important for men as they get older to brush up on their health facts, listen to their body, and be sure to get regular checkups. Even if you don’t feel sick, it is important to listen to your body and get regular checkups. This will help you live a better life and help you live longer. Men who are 65+ should be getting screened for: abdominal aortic aneurysm, blood pressure, colorectal cancer, depression, type 2 diabetes, lipid disorders, and STD. Older men should be seeking medical care whenever they feel sick and waiting too long before it gets worse. It is also important to take medications as directed, it can be helpful to keep a list of medications and dosages handy for you and your doctor's visits. Keep up with recommended shots like the flu, pneumonia, or diphtheria/tetanus.

Don't forget to wear blue! Wearing blue helps spread the awareness for Men’s Health Month and can be a conversation starter. Men’s health deserves more attention. Men should be encouraged to take care of their mental and physical health. Let us come together to begin to break down these stigmas keeping men from living longer, healthier lives.