Introducing the Silent Health Crisis

“There is a silent health crisis in America…it’s a fact that, on average, American men live sicker and die younger than American women” -Dr. David Gremillion

Did you know that, on average, men are less healthy during their lives and have a significantly shorter life expectancy when compared to women. A large reason for this health gap is the fact that men don’t often take care of themselves as well as women do throughout their lives.

Compared to women, men are less likely to have adopt preventative measures or have health insurance, while they are more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior, work in dangerous occupations, and put off going to the doctor. For these reasons and more, concerns over men’s health make up a silent crisis facing our country.

In response to this silent crisis, June has been established as International Men’s Health Month to honor the importance of the health and wellness of boys and men. Specifically International Men’s Health Month seeks to raise awareness of health issues facing men around the globe, emphasize measures that can be taken by men to prevent health issues, provide education opportunities to learn about men’s health issues, and promote the idea that men’s health issues are relevant to the whole family.

While there are many issues that can be discussed pertaining to men’s health, we will conclude today’s post with a list of steps men can take to improve the quality and length of their lives, which is adapted here from Armin Brott’s Blueprint for Men’s Health E-Book:

• Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat foods, and whole grains.
• Do everything possible to limit cholesterol intake and avoid saturated fats.
• Participate in moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 times per week.
• Wear sunscreen and clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
• Work to maintain a healthy weight.
• Drink at least half a gallon of water each day.
• Limit alcohol consumption as much as possible.
• Don’t smoke and minimize your exposure to second-hand smoke.
• See your doctor regularly.
• Know your personal and familial medical history and discuss it with your doctor.
• If you are over 40, get a baseline PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen Test) and monitor periodically with your doctor.
• Practice safe sex.
• Wear a seatbelt whenever you’re in a car.
• Wear a helmet whenever you’re on a bicycle or motorcycle.
• Manage your stress.
• Get help sooner rather than later if you think something is wrong.

Finally, remember that as important as it is for you to take charge of your own health and wellness, you cannot do it all on your own. Getting regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings is a proven way to improve health and wellness while reducing the risk of premature death and disability.

McGregor cares deeply about the health and wellness of all seniors, including the men, who are often overlooked. Check back here over the next few weeks for more advice on improving men’s health.

Stay tuned to our Blog for more Men’s Health series articles like this.