June is Men’s Health Month. Supported by a congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with health education and outreach activities. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases for men and boys.
Across the industrialized world, women still live 5 to 10 years longer than men. [1] Lack of health education, lack of awareness about damaging behaviors, and cultural behavior patterns are all factors in the steadily deteriorating health of men in America. Cancer, heart disease, and unintentional injury are the top health threats for men.
Additionally, overall cancer mortality rates are higher for men than women. [2] Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men. Men who are 50 years or older, African-Americans, and those with a family history of prostate cancer are at a higher risk for developing this disease. [3] It’s important to talk with your doctor to decide if it’s the right time to get tested and where to go from there.
The leading cause of death for men in the United States is heart disease; it caused 1 in every 4 male deaths in 2009. [4] Half of the men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms. It’s important to be aware of risk factors like excessive alcohol use, poor diet, and high cholesterol and to be aware that even if you have no symptoms, you could still be at risk.
Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as including physical activity in your daily routine and eating a healthy diet are challenging but highly effective steps towards prevention. Also, managing risky behavior, such as smoking and drinking too much, are common sense factors that can help you stay fit, and even though these habits can be difficult to break, they can result in drastic, positive health benefits. Another way to improve your lifestyle is by managing stress — making time for fun and relaxation in your life, going for a walk, or calling a friend can go a long way in helping you not only stay emotionally healthy, but physically healthy as well.
Men’s health is not only important for men, but a concern for women who care about the wellbeing of their husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers. Start on a path towards a healthier you or help support the men in your life by celebrating Men’s Health Month today!
Reference:
[1]Why Do Women Live Longer Than Men? (Time)
By: Blue, Laura.
http://content.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1827162,00.html
[2]Cancer mortality rates are higher in men than women in U.S., study finds (ScienceDaily)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712133328.htm
[3]Prostate Cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/
[4]Men and Heart Disease Fact Sheet (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_men_heart.htm