Men's Health Education and Awareness Month 2023
National Men's Health Month is celebrated every June and focuses on a broad range of men's health issues including heart disease, diabetes, prostate, testicular and colon cancer. Men's Health Month is celebrated every June as an opportunity to raise awareness for all men's health issues, ranging from aesthetic issues of men's hair loss to lethal issues related to heart disease.
In order to get involved, you can wear blue to spread knowledge and awareness about men's health issues, use resources to organize a community run, plan a health fair, fundraise for prostate cancer, and create awareness for men's health by displaying brochures and downloads at local retail shops and restaurants.
Men's Health Status
During Men's Health Education and Awareness Month, the National Center for Health Statistics, a section of the CDC, displays data for men's health in the United States.
According to the CDC, 14.9% of men aged 18 and older have poor to fair health. Men's health and exercise is also examined. It is estimated that 57.6% of men aged 18 and over meet the federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity through leisure time aerobic activity. This means that most men are physically active. Being aware of health statistics paves the way for improvements in men's health.
Men's Health Month focuses on preventative care for men, which includes reducing the leading causes of death among men. The leading causes of death among men include heart disease, cancer, and accidents (unintentional injuries).
Most men need to pay close attention to their health. In comparison to women, men are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, make unhealthy or risky choices, and put off regular medical check-ups or dismiss symptoms.
Men and Prostate Health
Prostate cancer awareness is a part of Men's Health Month. Prostate cancer immensely affects men's health. Prostate cancer can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. This is why it is important for men to get regular yearly check-ups, even if they feel well.
The US preventive services task force recommends that men ages 55-69 get tested for prostate cancer using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test. Digital rectal exams are no longer recommended.
If your PSA level is between 2-10 ng/mL, your doctor may discuss further diagnostic tests such as a prostate biopsy. Prevention and early detection can help reduce the risk of complications related to prostate cancer.
Men and Heart Disease
Heart disease is preventable, yet it is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Half of men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms. This is why prevention and early treatment are so important.
For Men's Health Month, focus on prevention tips for heart disease. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of heart disease:
Know your blood pressure and treat it if it is too high (high blood pressure can increase risk of heart disease). High blood pressure usually has no symptoms
Talk to your healthcare provider about diabetes. Should you get tested? Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause heart damage over time.
If you smoke, quit. For support in quitting smoking, resources are available such as a quit coach, free quit plan, free educational materials, and referrals to local resources.
Monitor your cholesterol and triglyceride levels with your healthcare provider. About 38% of adults have high cholesterol, which puts your heart at risk for disease. Adjust your diet to eat food low in fat, such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.
Eat healthy food and maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is an epidemic in the United States, and is a serious chronic disease and that can increase the risk of heart disease.
Limit alcohol consumption to one drink per day. Excessive alcohol can lead to increased risk of health problems.
Lower your stress levels and find healthy ways to cope with stress. Go for a walk, start a hobby, listen to music, do yoga, or talk with a loved one
Related: Weight Management with PlushCare
Men and Mental Health
While women tend to be diagnosed with mental illness more often, men are more likely to die by suicide than women, perhaps because men are less likely to receive mental health treatment. Men's Health Month also focuses on men's mental health, which includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Breaking the stigma around men's mental health issues is one goal of Men's Health Education and Awareness Month.
Some of the symptoms that signal mental health problems include:
Anger
Changes in mood or energy levels
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Increased anxiety or worry
Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts
Feeling flat or unable to feel happy
Engaging in risky behavior
Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
Thoughts and behaviors that interrupt daily activities such as work or family life
Take the initiative to manage your mental health symptoms before they negatively affect your daily life.
Talk to a Doctor Online
Support your health today by speaking with a PlushCare doctor. Men's Health Month is an opportunity to discuss common health issues men face.
Men's health month provides the opportunity to discuss overall men's health, prostate health, diet choices, exercise options, and mental health. If you have questions about your health, book an appointment to speak with a PlushCare doctor today.
Read More About Men's Health Month
Sources
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Men’s Health. Accessed on June 10, 2021 from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens-health.htm
National Institute of Mental Health. Men and Mental Health. Accessed on June 10, 2021 from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health
U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedLinePlus. Men’s Health. Accessed on June 11, 2021 from https://medlineplus.gov/menshealth.html
