Give the gift of a doctor’s appointment and meet with friends to get active.
Along with Father’s Day and Juneteenth, Men’s health month is coming this June. This marks the perfect time to spread some awareness about common health issues many men are facing and consider how to change lifestyle habits for a better tomorrow. Whether you know someone who is living with a serious health condition, you have lost a loved one too soon, or you simply want to learn more about living healthier, becoming better educated around men’s health issues can help.
Top health problems for men
What are the big illnesses affecting men the most? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the top five causes of death for men in the US in 2020 were:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- COVID-19
- Accidents
- Stroke
Of course, there’s no way to avoid death indefinitely but it is possible to prevent and delay many of these causes. The easiest and most effective way to do it is by adopting healthier living.
It’s well documented how people who exercise less, eat an unbalanced diet, consume higher amounts of fat and alcohol, and who smoke have a higher risk of dying from diseases like heart disease, COVID-19, and stroke. Living an unhealthy lifestyle can also put you at risk of developing some types of cancer. Yes, change doesn’t happen overnight. By learning more about what others are also facing, and that your health matters, you can start to envision a positive future, however.
Related: RateMDs is partnering with Zocdoc for easy online appointment bookings
Key statistics for men’s health month
Statistics have a way of shedding truth and light on issues. Here are some important ones to know about men’s health in the US.
- More than 60% of American men are obese or overweight
- 350,000 men in the US die of cardiovascular disease annually
- 230,000 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year
- More than 50% of men say they don’t talk about their health
- More than 40% of men only visit a doctor when they have a serious medical condition
Do you have a health issue you have been wishing away? Call your doctor today. They can help you deal with it best and set you on a better path.
How you can celebrate
There are a number of ideas on how to celebrate men’s health month presented on MensHealthMonth.org. You can:
- Fundraise for prostate cancer
- Wear blue June 17th
- Host a mini health fair
- Ask your City Council to promote National Men’s Health Week
- Start a walking group with co-workers or friends
- Take an important man in your life to a doctor’s check-up
- Give a Father’s Day card with a doctor’s appointment as your gift
- Go hiking or biking with the guys
- Write an article detailing how someone you know worked through his health problems and suggest readers get their health checked in order to do the same
There’s no time like the present! With the right help, men can live healthier lives and place their own well-being first. To learn more, visit mhanational.org, minorityhealth.hhs.gov,, and menshealthmonth.org.
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