Why do they have a whole month dedicated to men’s health awareness? Is men’s health something that needs more attention? Once we take a look at the statistics for men’s health, it becomes clear that raising awareness is a good thing. Consider that:
- On average men live shorter lives than women by about five year!
- Men have a higher death rate for 9 out of the top 10 leading causes of death including suicide, cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
- 50% of men will develop some type of cancer.
- Over 30,000 men die each year from prostate cancer.
- Men visit the doctor half as much as women do. They often do not get preventative check-ups.
- Men are much less likely to have insurance than women.
We can begin to see why shining a light on men’s health is necessary! We are going to go through some of the best way’s men can improve their health. Healthier men live longer, happier lives!
Men’s Preventative Health Care
Most of the factors that impact men’s lives are preventable. Many medical or emotional issues, if caught early, can be successfully treated. This is why it is so important that men get regular Physicals and take advantage of preventative healthcare services that are readily available!
Routine visits to a doctor help establish medical records that can be monitored over time. So, when a patient’s cholesterol starts to creep up the doctor will notice and help them fix the problem before it becomes a stroke!
Not sure where to start? A primary care doctor is the best choice. They will help recommend preventative tests and measure that are appropriate for your age group. If you have insurance, your primary care visits are likely cheap and many preventative services are free of charge!
Medicare covered preventative screening services: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/preventive-screening-services
Importance of Health Screenings: https://www.medicare.gov/blog/importance-of-health-screenings-2020
Medicare and Men’s Health: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4rPE89Xi0M
Free Heart Scans in Atlanta: http://virtualimagingatl.com/SignUpforaFreeHeartScan-15
Insurance for Men
Do you have medical insurance? Dental Insurance? Vision Insurance? Men are less likely to have insurance than women. This explains part of the reason that men see doctors less. Having insurance makes you more likely to see doctors which makes it a vital part of being healthy. Money spent on your health is money well spent.
Exercise and Activity for Men
The benefits of physical activity for men are hard to overstate. The health benefits are many and they are extensive. Regular exercise reduces a man’s risk for just about every major health condition. It also has significant benefits to mental health.
Lifting weights, running and going to fitness classes are traditional ways to stay in shape and are certainly good options. But for those who struggle to maintain consistency at a gym, consider joining some type of competitive sport or activity that will help you get active while doing something you enjoy! The goal is maintaining activity over a long period of your life. The human body was made for physical activity and will breakdown without constant use.
Exercise Benefits for Men: http://diet.mayoclinic.org/diet/move/exercise-benefits-for-men
Nutritional Health for Men
The old saying, “You are what you eat”, is true in many ways! What we put into our bodies has long reaching effects. Like exercise, correct nutrition leads to a drastic reduction in health problems as we age.
We live in a land of abundance. It is certainly possible to eat healthy, delicious meals. It takes more effort to eat healthy, but it is one of the best investments you can make. Remember that eating is usually a social event. Encourage the men in your life to eat healthier by eating healthy with them!
Nutritional Health for Men: https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/nutrition-age/adults/men
Dental and Vision Health for Men
Dental and vision care encompass both oral and vision health as well as total healthcare. Check out this article to see why it is so important that men take care of both their oral and visual health: https://ga-health-insurance.com/the-importance-of-dental-and-vision-insurance/.
Mental Health for Men
Mental health is an issue for many men. Men die by suicide at a rate almost 4x that of women. Even more men deal with untreated depression, emotional issues like rage or an inability to sleep. All these issues can have massive impacts on a man’s overall health.
There are a variety of treatment methods ranging from:
- Religion
- Counseling from a professional, pastor or family member.
- Close relationships with family or friends.
- Exercise and diet.
- And more!
It is important that men take a total approach to health in their life and not be afraid to seek help when they need it. Talking with others does not make you weak, it makes you smart.
Mental Health for Men: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health/index.shtml
Biblical Counseling: https://biblicalcounseling.com/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
A Balanced Life
Each of these areas we have talked about is important. It is common for us to overemphasis one area and neglect the others. Avoid doing this as each is important to your overall health. A balanced life is much more likely to be a healthy life.
