National Men’s Health Month

NEWS YOU CAN USE: The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection, open communication and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease, and depression. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men have shorter life expectancies than women. Many male health risks can be traced back to behavior: In general, men engage in riskier behaviors that lead to higher rates of injury and disease such as: heavy drinking, smoking, use of machinery and power tools, extreme sports and occupational hazards. Men are more likely than women to die from the 10 causes listed below.

Luckily, many of these causes can be prevented, delayed or minimized with lifestyle choices. Men can take steps by knowing signs and symptoms, their family history and genetics, having regular checkups by a physician or health care provider and early detection can maximize your quality years of living an independent life on your terms!

Two critical questions for men and their family members to reflect on:

1. Why do many men die prematurely?

More likely to die younger, and in greater numbers, of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes.
Neglect to take care of themselves as well as women do.
Are more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior.
Refuse to seek medical attention when they need it.
Are less likely than women to adopt preventative health measures.
Are less likely to have health insurance.
Are more likely to work in dangerous occupations.

2. Why are men so stubborn about going to the doctor?

The number one reason men avoid the doctor is fear. Men worry about a bad diagnosis or a bad outcome. Then there is the superhero syndrome, which is men wanting to see themselves as forever strong and capable of handling anything. For many men, they buy into the stigma that they should be strong enough to handle things on their own, no matter what. They may convince themselves that seeing a doctor is a sign of weakness and that their condition will improve on its own leading men to be hesitant about going to the doctor. Men may struggle to verbalize their feelings, express emotions or share them with others, coupled with the ingrained belief that they should “man up” and deal with it themselves. This makes seeking mental health and / or psychiatric care dismal.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Good health is not merely the absence of disease, it’s a lifestyle. It’s important to take the time to prioritize yourself. Taking steps to balance work, home and play. Pay attention to your health and make healthy living part of your life. First and foremost, everyone should develop a relationship with their healthcare team. Together, you can forge a healthy lifestyle plan to attend to health issues.

Tips to empower you to be your own health advocate:

Educate yourself about a healthy lifestyle.
Eat healthy.
Be physically active.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Go for regular doctor and dental exams.
Get appropriate vaccinations.
Manage stress.
Know your family health history.
Refrain from tobacco use, vaping, and cannabis use.
If you drink, do so in moderation.
Learn CPR.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR HEALTH

Use this month to take stock of your health now and think about where you want it to be. Set small and achievable goals and work with your health care team to make them a reality. DOWNLOAD THIS PDF TO KEEP TRACK OF YOUR HEALTH

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

Do my everyday behaviors reflect wise lifestyle choices that benefit me?
What is the biggest mental challenge to me in achieving my health goals?
What is the one thing that I need to work on right now to improve my well-being?
What am I going to change tomorrow to make me better than I was today?
Describe your optimal self as the perfect homerun?
How does being healthy make you a better family member?

MONTHLY AFFIRMATION:

I am the only one responsible for taking care of myself.
I make the right choices each and every day using my inner wisdom.
For many, money is wealth, for me health is wealth.

MOTIVATIONAL THOUGHT:

A life without health is like a car without an engine, take care of your body, it’s the only car you own to drive for a lifetime.
Everyday you do one of two things: you build health or produce disease. Those who do not find time for exercise and health will have to find time for illness.
Your health account and bank account are similar. The more you put in the more you can take out. Good health can’t be bought however it is a valuable savings account!

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