June is Men’s Health Month

The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

Silent Health Crisis

There is a silent health crisis in America…it’s that fact that, on average, American men live sicker and die younger than American women.”

Dr. David Gremillion

Men’s Health Network

Health Facts: Men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92% of workplace deaths. (BLS)

In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Now, men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women. (CDC)

Cause & Rate – Men Women

Heart Disease 210.9 131.8 Cancer 192.9 138.1 Injuries 54.7 27.3 Stroke 36.9 35.6 Suicide 20.7 5.8 HIV/AIDS 3.0 1.1

Depression and Suicide1

Depression in men is undiagnosed contributing to the fact that men are 4 x as likely to commit suicide.

♦ Among ages15 to 19, boys were 3.1 x as likely as girls to commit suicide.

♦ Among ages 20 to 24, males were 4.6 x as likely to commit suicide as females

♦ The suicide rate for persons age 65 and above: men…31.5 – women…5.

Who is the Weaker Sex?

♦ 115 males are conceived for every 100 females.

♦ Men suffer hearing loss at 2x the rate of women.

♦ Testosterone is linked to elevations of LDL, the bad cholesterol, and declines in HDL, the good cholesterol.

♦ Men have fewer infection-fighting T-cells and are thought to have weaker immune systems than women.

♦ By the age of 100, women outnumber men eight to one. (NYT Magazine 3-16-03)

Prevention:

Women are 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men. (CDC 2001)

What to do?

1. Eat Healthy. Start by taking small steps like saying no to super-sizing and yes to a healthy breakfast. Eat many different types of foods to get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Add at least one fruit and vegetable to every meal.
2. Get Moving.  Play with your 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. Most importantly, choose activities that you enjoy to stay motivated.
3. Make Prevention a Priority. Many health conditions can be detected early with regular checkups from your healthcare provider. Regular screenings may include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health and more.  Make an appointment with your primary care physician.   And get tested per Men’s Health Network flyer at: https://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/getitcheckedpostermen.pdf