Listen up, guys. Whether you like it or not, regular trips to the doctor are important. So is watching what you eat and getting more exercise—which is why this month is all about YOU. The goal of Men’s Health Month is to raise awareness about preventable health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Here are some quick (and eye-opening) facts!
- Women are 100% more likely than men to visit the doctor for annual exams and preventive services.
- In 2000 there were fewer than 80 men for every 100 women by the time they reached age 65 – 74.
- 1 in 2 men is diagnosed with cancer in his lifetime (compared to 1 in 3 women).
- Approximately 30,000 men in the U.S. die each year from prostate cancer.
- The #1 threat to men’s health is heart disease. Contributing factors are high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol.
- 13 million American men have diabetes.
- Depression is the #7 cause of death in U.S. men.
- Men are more likely to be uninsured than women.
Throughout the month, and especially during National Men’s Health Week June 9 – 15, pass along these three important tips to your friends, family members and community. Let’s make men’s health a national priority!
- Eat Healthy. Experts recommend starting with small steps such as portion control (no super sizing) and remembering to eat a healthy breakfast. A diet high in lean protein sources—at least 12 portions daily—will help keep your appetite satisfied throughout the day. In addition, opt for plenty of low-sugar, high-fiber fruits, non-starchy vegetables and healthy fats.
- Get Moving. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight and supports cardiovascular health. Other benefits include a better mood, improved sleep and even improved sexual function. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.
Make Prevention a Priority. Because many health conditions can be prevented or detected early with routine checkups from a healthcare practitioner, men are encouraged to get regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, prostate health and more.