Men’s Health Month: Things to Know

As we discussed recently, women have their own health concerns and ways to stay healthy. However, men’s health is just as important and, in some cases, is neglected. Here, we are presenting the opportunity to open the conversation by discussing common issues in men’s healthcare.

June Is Men’s Health Month

Each June, we have the chance to bring fresh awareness to men’s health issues. This gives us a moment to present concerning topics, available screenings, and the resources available to men.

What Is Men’s Health Month?

Men’s Health Month is celebrated annually in hopes of raising awareness of preventable health problems. While the entire month of June is devoted to men, the week leading up to Father’s Day celebrates men and boys and promotes positive male health.

Goals and Purpose

The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to bring awareness and support to men. The hope is to encourage early detection and treatment of health problems, diseases, and injuries. Healthcare providers, policymakers, and the media come together in a combined effort to protect men’s wellness. Awareness activities are often planned in the United States and around the world.

Men and Healthcare

This June, we want to bring attention to common issues in men’s healthcare and offer tips for healthier lifestyles.

Men Are Less Likely to Seek Medical Attention

Men are often portrayed as and are typically expected to be strong, tough, and fearless. Unfortunately, the media and our outdated expectations have led to a healthcare obstacle for men. 

Many men are less likely to show weakness. Going to the doctor is a sign of a problem, concern, or weakness. A survey has shown that men are less likely to see a physician regularly and only make appointments when serious issues arise. 

Remember that ignoring your health problems or concerns will not make them go away. 

Prostate Cancer Affects 1 in 8 Men

According to the American Cancer Society, aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. The risk increases with age. In its earliest stages, prostate cancer often goes undetected. In more advanced stages, symptoms of prostate cancer may include: 

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the urine stream
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Erectile dysfunction

If you have a family history of prostate cancer or are of advanced age, speak with your physician about the risks of prostate cancer and undergo screenings. Early detection and treatment are crucial in protecting a man’s overall wellness.

Mental Health Is Still Stigmatized

Until very recently, mental health was a hush-hush, taboo topic that no one discussed. If you had a mental illness or an issue, you suffered in silence. While mental health has gained a lot of steam in recent years, it is still more generally accepted for women to get help. 

Men are often considered strong and not prone to emotional disturbances. Unfortunately, this label means many men continue to suffer in silence. Men, like women, are affected by mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, thoughts of suicide, and more.

Encourage the men in your life to talk about their feelings and to be as open about their mental health as their physical health.

Men Need to Make Better Lifestyle Choices

Globally, a man’s life expectancy is approximately four years shorter than a woman’s. There isn’t a single country where men outlive women. One of the biggest reasons for this points to a man’s lifestyle choices.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), far more men than women smoke and drink. These practices lead to serious health problems including lung disease, heart disease, and liver problems.

Additionally, when it comes to diet, women tend to eat healthier and get more servings of fruits and vegetables than men do. The typical masculine male diet leans more toward meat, dairy, and potatoes.

The first step toward better health is to make better lifestyle choices. For improved health, consider the following healthy lifestyle tips:

• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins.
• Exercise or participate in physical activity.
• Discover ways to reduce or manage your stress.
• Get better sleep through crafting a quality sleep routine and environment.
• Avoid drugs, alcohol, and smoking and address potential triggers.

Contact Blue Skies Family Medicine

From routine physicals to care for acute or chronic diseases, it is important to visit your family physician. Routine appointments allow you to establish a healthy relationship with your doctor. Positive patient-doctor relationships have been linked to improved patient health. 

Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician in Mooresville, NC to stay on top of your health. At Blue Skies Family Medicine, we can help ensure that changes in your health are diagnosed and treated early.

During Men’s Health Month, make it a priority to get quality men’s healthcare in Mooresville, NC. Contact us today!