Men’s Health Matters: 5 Steps to Take Control This June

Men’s Health Matters: 5 Steps to Take Control This June

Did you know that men are statistically much less likely to visit the doctor regularly or address health issues early? In fact, only 60% of men see a doctor yearly, and 40% wait until something is seriously wrong before seeking care. This gap in health maintenance is why each June, we observe National Men’s Health Month, guided by organizations like the Men’s Health Network (MHN) to focus on awareness, prevention, and education specific to men’s health issues.

Overview
National Men’s Health Month is a dedicated effort to encourage men to take their health seriously. From scheduling annual checkups to addressing mental health and lifestyle changes, these actions can not only improve quality of life but also save lives. Common health concerns for men this month include prostate cancer awareness, cardiovascular health, and mental well-being.

3 Facts About Men’s Health:
1. On average, men live five years less than women, a statistic partially attributed to men’s lower rates of engaging in preventive care (medicine.iu.edu).
2. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S., yet regular screenings for blood pressure and cholesterol are often skipped.
3. Men are more likely than women to develop certain types of cancer, like prostate cancer, despite it being highly treatable when detected early.

3 Things To Do:
1. Schedule a Checkup: Whether it’s been a year or ten years, make a primary care appointment to assess your overall health. Screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, and prostate health are especially critical.
2. Get Active: Exercise can drastically decrease the risk of heart disease and mental health disorders. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
3. Talk About Mental Health: Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues like depression. Take the first step and open up to a friend, family member, or licensed counselor.

3 Resources:
1. Men’s Health Network (MHN) – A central hub for men’s health education and advocacy.
2. The Movember Foundation – Focused on men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate cancer research.
3. CDC Men’s Health – Government resources covering a wide range of physical and mental health topics.