Men's Health Awareness
Lola A., MSN, RN
As we celebrate Father’s Day and many other important days, there is no better time to bring awareness to the health of the men in our lives – husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons.
In my family, many men celebrate milestones in June. However, not all those men take their health seriously, which is concerning. Some give excuses they are too busy, some are afraid to find out something might be wrong, and some dislike the discomfort of examinations (such as testicular exams, prostate checks, and cancer screenings).
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- In 2020, at least 13.2% of men were in poor health. These are men suffering from illness or those who have not sought any form of healthcare in more than five years.
- There are only 57.6% of men aged 18 or over that engage in physical activities
- 5% of men in the United States are obese.
- 5% of men under 65 are without health insurance.
- Men are 33% less likely to seek healthcare.
With these statistics in mind, I want to offer a few suggestions for healthy living and encourage men and boys to:
Make health prevention a priority: - Schedule your routine health screening with your provider or healthcare professional
Quit tobacco: - This lifestyle change can help prevent lung disease, cancer, and death.
Get moving: - Participate in activities you enjoy to stay motivated and strive to reach a goal of 30 minutes of exercise per day, five days a week.
Eat healthy: - Add healthy and nutritious food to your diet such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, meat, dairy, and healthy fats like olive oil.
It is time for men to act because men’s health is a family issue that impacts spouses, parents, children, siblings, and others. Therefore, let us encourage the men in our lives to take care of themselves.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/mens-health.htm
Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2019-2020
https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/lcod/men/2017/all-races-origins/index.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/cancerandmen/index.htm
