Gentlemen: Take Care of Yourself This Men's Health Month

This month, we pay tribute to the fathers, grandfathers, and men who step up and make a difference in our lives. June is also observed as Men’s Health Month. It’s a time to recognize the unique health issues men may face and encourage the important men in your life to work to improve their overall health.

In the United States, the life expectancy for men is approximately five years less than the life expectancy for women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease and cancer are currently the two leading causes of death for men. These two causes alone account for nearly half of all male deaths in the country. Statistics indicate men are also less likely than women to have an annual physical. I have heard it said that men are more likely to take their car in for a tune-up than themselves.

There are many reasons men are reluctant to seek regular health care. One basic reason is time, especially when that means missing work. We do a much better job of transitioning our adolescent girls into adult health care than we do with our young men. Men 15-65 years of age are significantly less likely than women to seek preventive care services, and they are more likely to report not having a primary care provider. Developing a relationship with a primary care provider is an important step in preventive care. Early detection and special attention to conditions affecting men can produce positive results. That is the focus of Men’s Health Month. 

Preventive health is about identifying and treating medical conditions early or stopping them from developing. The CDC reports nearly 15% of men are in fair or poor health due to preventable diseases and irregular medical care. Regular healthcare visits provide opportunities to discuss risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, participate in cancer screenings, and discuss healthy lifestyle choices.

More men die of cancer, diabetes, suicide, motor vehicle accidents, and COVID-19 than women. Biological and genetic issues explain some of this health disparity. However, men are at greater risk for death regardless of age; therefore, this is not just an aging issue.

What may surprise some is the impact of mental health on men’s well-being. Intentional self-harm was the seventh leading cause of death in Jefferson County between 2018-2022. Sadly, the majority were male. Additionally, studies have shown that men are more likely to take part in risky behavior than women, which leads to higher rates of accidental death.

At every stage of life, men are encouraged to consider three important aspects of their health - physical health, mental health, and social connection. Social connection is important to our overall health and well-being. Research shows that loneliness and isolation can lead to poor health outcomes, while connection promotes better physical and mental health.

Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. The impact is felt by all of us. Men’s health is a family issue as well as an individual issue. Encourage your male loved ones to exercise, eat well, and regularly visit their health care provider to stay mentally and physically well. We celebrate Men’s Health Month once a year, however every day is a great day to take care of yourself.