Promoting Health Education and Proactive Care for Men
Raising Awareness of Common Men’s Health Issues
During June, we not only celebrate the important men in our lives on Father’s Day, but we also recognize Men’s Health Month. The entire month of June is devoted to raising awareness about common men’s health issues. Today is also the first day of Men’s Health Week. The focus of these events is to encourage men to take a proactive approach to their health and wellness, seeking out preventive care and screenings, particularly for prostate and testicular cancer.
Unfortunately, many studies show that men are not as proactive in taking care of their health as women. Take the findings of this study on men’s health from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Among the many findings, the study found that men are:
- 24 percent less likely to visit a doctor within the past year
- More likely to neglect cholesterol tests
- 28 percent more likely to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure
One of the greatest health risks for men is prostate cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime—and 2 to 3 will die from the cancer. If you are unfamiliar with the common signs of prostate cancer, we encourage you to reference the Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer from the American Cancer Society. It is important to know that one of the most common risk factors for prostate cancer is age. This is why taking a proactive approach to medical care is so critical for older men.
During Men’s Health Week and Month, we urge you to kindly remind the men in your life—partners, spouses, fathers, brothers, uncles, and friends—to schedule their annual prostate exam and routine medical checkups. It can make such a difference in the early identification and successful treatment of any health issues and concerns. And make sure you wear your blue on June 17 to promote men’s health!