As an author, columnist, and most importantly, a female, I tend to mostly write on topics related to women’s health. I guess it’s just a natural evolution based on discussions with girlfriends and the ever-evolving needs (and changes) of women’s health, including my own. However, this month, it is time to change direction and discuss health and preventative wellness measures related to men. Coincidentally, I know a few things about men as I am married, and a mother to three boys.
Likewise, June is observed as National Men’s Health Month, with International Men’s Health Week slated for June 10 – 16, which coincides with Father’s Day.
This annual observance is a time to remind men to take charge of their health; seek regular medical appointments and preventative treatments, when needed. The month is also a teaching platform created to educate on common health problems men may face as they age.
With men (and women alike), there are a myriad of predominant screenings which can lead to early diagnoses of medical issues and diseases which can be prevented, if detected early. However, this is one of the “difficulties” that come into play in terms of male health; men are less likely to schedule healthcare appointments for annual physicals, or subsequently, even go to the doctor for an acute or chronic health concern.
According to the Indiana University School of Medicine, men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or even report symptoms to a healthcare provider when they do not feel well. Further, statistics state only 60-percent of men go to the doctor for a yearly, routine, checkup, and 40-percent will not go until something is seriously wrong.
“Despite statistics, 20-percent of men do report seeing a doctor so their significant other or a loved one will stop nagging them,” said Helen Bernie, DO, MPH, Director of Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine and assistant professor of urology at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Comparably, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in a 2023 study, 13.2-percent of men aged eighteen and over are in fair or poor health. Accordingly, that same CDC study provides a number of recommendations to help men better manage their health:
- Make appointments for annual checkups. Talk to your healthcare professional about having a wellness check annually. Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and weight to catch potentially dangerous conditions early.
- Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, and lean sources of protein. Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats and avoid foods with added sugar and sodium. To decide what foods to choose based on height, weight, age and physical activity, visit https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-plan.
- Be active. Any activity is better than no activity. Stay motivated by choosing physical activities you enjoy. Visit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Move Your Way Activity Planner to set goals to help you stay motivated.
- Avoid smoking. Quitting smoking improves your health and reduces your risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and other smoking-related illnesses.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Limiting alcohol can reduce long-term health risks. Check out the CDC’s Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol.
- Manage stress. Reducing stress can lower your risk of heart disease, obesity, high-blood pressure, and depression.
The Indiana University School of Medicine also provides corresponding statistics:
The overall mortality rate is 41-percent higher for males than females; and higher for men in eight out of ten ‘leading causes of death’ categories, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.
- More than 30-percent of men suffer from depression sometime during their life. Though only 25-percent speak to a mental health professional.
- Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the United States. Men are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer if their father, brother, or son was diagnosed. It is also important for men to discuss having a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and DRE test for any prostate, rectum, or lower stomach abnormalities.
- Erectile dysfunction affects thirty million men across the United States. If symptoms arise, see a urologist to discuss warning signs for something more serious.
Finally, the US Department of Health & Human Services hosts a ‘Health Finder Tool’ website to make sure you, your family, and all the men in your life are up to date on recommended preventative health services. Go to https://health.gov/myhealthfinder.
Ladies, I hope you share this information with the males in your life to help them better understand how important their health is to you. And for the men, don’t wait to be “nagged,” as Dr. Bernie stated, by the women in your lives before you take steps for better health.
Let National Men’s Health Month be the perfect time to begin your health and wellness journey. I wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day, and an amazing summer!