Men's Health Month

Think about the last time you were in your doctor's waiting room. Who did you see there? Chances are you probably noticed the usual suspects-- nurses, mothers, and children. However, it is likely that you did not see as many men. In healthcare settings across the country, this is an everyday reality.

June marks Men's Health Awareness Month, a national campaign that raises awareness about preventable conditions and promotes health and wellness among men and boys. According to research, most doctor visits involve women and children. On average, men are only half as likely to visit doctor's offices, emergency departments (ED), and physician home visits compared to women. Men are also less likely to utilize preventive care, hospice care, and dental care visits[1]. Socialized norms about masculinity impact boys' and men's perception of their health and health behaviors. These norms also influence the beliefs of their family members, friends, and others within their social network. 

The limited and delayed use of healthcare services can have severe consequences for men's health and wellness. Life expectancy is nearly five years shorter on average, for men than for women, and mortality rates for most leading causes of preventable death are highest among men. These health outcomes impact men's ability to be an involved father, supportive husband, and engaged member of their families and community.
 
"Recognizing and preventing men's health problems is not just a man's issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men's health is truly a family issue.[2]" Throughout June, religious organizations, private businesses, civic organizations, government agencies, fraternities, and others will host events to provide education on men-related health outcomes, prevention strategies, and resources.
This month on, encourage men and boys to participate in regular medical checkups and early detection for disease and injury.

​Support men's disease prevention and wellness by:

1. Encouraging regular exams and tests, particularly if there is a family history, including:

• Full checkup: Annually
• Skin self-exam: Monthly, from childhood
• Skin clinical exam: Annually
• Testicular self-exam: Monthly, beginning from age 15
• Blood pressure: Every six months if your pressure is normal, from age 18.
  •  If your pressure is higher than 120/80, check more often.
• Cholesterol: Every two years after age 35, and every year over 50.          
  •  Begin screening at 20 if you're at increased risk for heart disease.
• Blood glucose: Every three years after 45.
  • Start testing earlier if you have high blood pressure.
• Prostate: Talk to your doctor after age 40.
• Colonoscopy: Every ten years after age 50.
  • Talk to your doctor about starting early if you have a family history of colon cancer.

 

1. Monitoring for signs of medical issues, including:

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Changes in erections
• Persistent backache
• Changes in urine or stool color
• Changes in warts or moles
• Recurrent chest pain or headache
• Bleeding that won't stop
• Nagging cough
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme fatigue

 

1. Making healthy behavior changes, such as:

• Reduce or eliminate tobacco use
• Get more exercise

• Have your skin checked, especially your back
• Improve your diet:

• Low saturated fats
• Low sugar
• High fiber

 
For more information on Men's Health, check out:
Men's Health Resource Center: www.MensHealthResourceCenter.com
Health Profiles of Men and Boys in each state can be found at www.stateofmenshealth.com
 


[1] Pinkhasov RM, Wong J, Kashanian J, et al. Are men shortchanged on health? Perspective on health care utilization and health risk behavior in men and women in the United States. Int J Clin Pract. 2010;64(4):475‐487. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2009.02290.x

[2] Congressman Bill Richardson.
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Dr. Malikah S. Waajid, Ph.D, MPH

Dr.  Waajid is an epidemiologist and program evaluator with more than 10 years of experience working in community health in the United States and abroad. She is born and raised in Decatur, Georgia.