4 Essential Forms of Prevention for Men
Men’s health matters for everyone, including men of all ages and those who care about them. June is Men’s Health Month, making it the perfect time to talk about living healthy as a man or supporting the men in your life to live their healthiest.
For both men and women, a longer and healthier life starts with good habits and strong support systems. Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting preventative care are among the most impactful things people can do to live healthier lives.
Men also have unique health concerns
Men live 5 years less than women, on average (compared 1 year shorter in 1920).[1] Life expectancy is the product of many factors, most of which can be addressed or improved through prevention. Women are 100% more likely than men to stay on track with preventative care—like annual check-ups and routine exams—which is why prevention is critical.[2]
What preventative care is most important for men?
Yearly check-up: The first step men of all ages should take is to make sure they have gotten an annual check-up in the last year and their next one is scheduled. Having a yearly physical with your primary care doctor is the best way to catch any health issues early and stop them from becoming big problems.[3]
Cancer screenings: The most common cancers among men in the U.S. are prostate, lung, and colorectal. Men should talk to their doctor about screenings, risk factors and what they can do to protect themselves.[4]
Mental health support: Depression often goes undiagnosed in men because symptoms can look a lot different in men than they do in women. A man who appears angry or aggressive may be depressed, even though they don’t seem “sad.” Depression can also show up as physical symptoms like headaches and stomach aches. Sometimes, the only sign that someone is depressed is their drug or alcohol use. It’s important for everyone, including men, to talk about how they’re feeling and get help when they need it.[5]
Heart-healthy lifestyle: Heart disease is the most common cause of death among men, causing 1 in 4 male deaths. It doesn’t always come with symptoms, so living a heart-healthy life is important for everyone. Some of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from heart disease are to check your blood pressure regularly, get tested for diabetes, and quit smoking. Visit your local Higi Station to check your blood pressure regularly, take a diabetes risk test, and build heart-healthy habits like quitting smoking.[6]
Men’s health is everyone’s concern. As a man or someone who cares about the men in your life, you can help create a world where men live long, healthy and happy lives. This June, support Men’s health awareness and focus on preventative care. w ways to move until you find one you enjoy. Treat physical activity as a way to celebrate your body and take care of your heart. In the process, you will also be setting yourself up for a longer, healthier life.[1]
1. National Vital Statistics System - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Utilization of Ambulatory Medical Care by Women: United States - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3. Men’s Health - National Library of Medicine
4. Cancer Statistics - National Cancer Institute
5. Men and Depression - National Institute of Mental Health
6. Men and Heart Disease - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention