June is nationally recognized as Men’s Health Month. This month aims to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. June gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular check-ups, medical advice and early treatment for disease.
On May 31, 1994 President Clinton signed the bill establishing National Men’s Health Week. Today, Men’s Health Week is still celebrated, with statements from the White House encouraging men to visit the doctor and dentist for overall wellness. “As we observe Men’s Health Week, we celebrate the advances we have made in improving men’s healthcare, while recognizing the importance of prioritizing both physical and mental health in men of all ages,” the statement from the White House on June 8, 2018 says.
There is a reason there is a month encouraging men to have their regular health check-ups. According to the official website of Men’s Health Month, women are 100% more likely than men to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventive services. These annual exams and preventive services may prevent an array of health conditions. Regular screenings may include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health and more.
Another preventive measure for men to take control of their health is to eat healthy. The official website of Men’s Health Month encourages men to start by taking small steps like saying no to super-sizing and yes to a healthy breakfast and to eat many different types of foods to get all the vitamins and minerals needed. They also recommend to add at least one fruit and vegetable to every meal.
The third preventive measure for men’s health, besides regular health check-ups and eating healthy, is regular exercise. The advice for this given by Men’s Health Month is for men to play with their kids or grandkids, take the stairs instead of the elevator, do yard work, play a sport, keep comfortable walking shoes handy at work and in the car, and most importantly, choose activities that are enjoyable to stay motivated.
The fact that men are less likely to visit the doctor for preventive services than women may be represented in that men, on average, live about five years less than their female counterparts. Men also have a higher death rate for most of the leading causes of death, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and suicide. A startling statistic is that 1 in 2 men will develop cancer in their lifetime. For women, it is 1 in 3. In order to see stats like these change, Men’s Health Month encourages men to schedule a check-up.
One can show support for Men’s Heatlh Month and Week by wearing blue. The nationally celebrated day to wear blue is Friday, June 14. Wearing blue reminds men of the importance of staying healthy, allows one to become part of a national movement, lets men know we care and keeps men healthy and alive. Husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles, partners, friends, co-workers and sons are all reasons to wear blue and raise awareness for men’s health.
Men’s Health Awareness can mean many different things. It means raising awareness for making healthy lifestyle choices, making regular annual visits to the doctor, getting educated on heart disease or diabetes, starting general health conversations with male friends and much more.
Some ideas to celebrate Men’s Health Month include bringing the men in your life together to be healthy and active. Some activities could include walking, golfing, tennis, bowling, basketball, baseball, soccer, flag football, frisbee, bicycling and hiking.
Another idea to help men during this time of awareness includes talking with them about their health. 30% of men experience depression, yet only 1 in 4 actually talk about it. Encourage the men in your life to make regular doctor visits. Take them to the doctor or give them a Father’s Day card with a doctor’s appointment as a gift. Help support men in living long and healthy lives.