Men’s Health Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1994, when Congress officially designated the week before Father’s Day as National Men’s Health Week.
June aims to raise awareness of the same health concerns of Men’s Health Week, but lasts the whole month. It is different from Movember, which is held in November and focuses on men’s mental health as well as prostate cancer. In June, men are encouraged to set goals for their own health and wellness and begin to create a roadmap for achieving those goals.
At Community Health Northwest Florida, we’re dedicating this time to raising awareness about the unique health challenges that affect men and encouraging proactive steps toward healthier habits and better well-being. Call us at (850) 436-4630 to schedule an appointment.
While some conditions affect men and women alike, some diseases and health risks are more likely to develop in men because of differences in biological, behavioral, and social factors.
At CHNWF, we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention and early detection, so let’s explore:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, with conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and poor lifestyle habits increasing men’s risk. Statistics show that men are more likely than women to develop cardiovascular health problems at a younger age. Smoking and poor eating choices are two driving contributors, and symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath. Irregular heartbeat and swelling in the legs, ankles or feet.
Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in men, responsible for about 22 percent of male deaths in the U.S. The most common forms of cancer in men are lung, prostate and colorectal.
Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases are a group of disorders that impact the lungs and airways. Asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis cause about 5 percent of all male deaths despite being preventable — at least 80 percent are caused by cigarette smoking.
Diabetes is the fourth-leading cause of death in men. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin — a hormone that regulates blood-glucose levels. About nine out of 10 people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which can be caused by genetics or age but is mostly closely linked to obesity, poor diet and lack of physical exercise.
Then there are mental health issues. Men die by suicide nearly four times as often as women, which a statistic complicated to unpack as it is startling.
Men are less likely than women to seek mental health care when they need it, but also face societal and generational barriers. Men’s symptoms of depression and anxiety may differ from women, and could lead to under- or misdiagnosed.
Here’s the good news: there are several things men can do to prevent these conditions and live healthier, potentially longer, lives. The even better news? By making some of the lifestyle choices below, men can reduce their risk for all of the above conditions at the same time.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.
- Exercise Regularly: Adult men should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and depression. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory disease. As soon as you quit smoking, your risk for these conditions begins to drop.
- Limit Alcohol: Adult men should limit alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to numerous physical and mental health problems. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or hobbies that you enjoy.
During Men’s Health Month, we want to urge men to take charge of their health by scheduling checkups, asking questions, and staying informed about conditions that disproportionately affect them.
If you or a loved one hasn’t had a recent health screening, now is the time! Contact us to schedule a wellness exam or speak with one of our providers.
Awareness can truly be life-saving!