June is Men's Health Month
It is currently June and not only is summer starting, but it is Men’s Health Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues and encouraging us to take steps to improve our health and promote healthier lifestyles. One trend in men’s health I find alarming is the fact that even with advancements in health and medical treatments, the life expectancy of men compared to women is on the decline.
We are bombarded daily in the news, social media, and articles concerning new health information. Men’s Health Month was established to specifically focus on the health and health challenges men face. While we often take action through new exercise plans or try to eat healthier than we have in the past, other health steps are often overlooked. The goal of Men’s Health Month is to also encourage preventable actions such as regular check ups, a global balanced lifestyle, mental health, and detection and early treatment of diseases.
I find the goal of early detection and treatment of diseases particularly of importance. Why do I? For the past several years men’s life expectancy has been on the decline in the United States. While women have historically had a longer life expectancy than men, that gap has been widening. The National Center for Health Statistics has shown men’s life expectancy in the U.S. has decreased from 76.5years (2014) to 73.2 years (2021).
Several risk factors have been identified that could contribute to this decline for men. These include engaging in riskier behaviors (including smoking, excessive alcohol intake, neglecting preventive care, and less likely to seek medical attention), and challenges for access to care.
Men delaying medical care and neglecting preventive care are two issues that really stand out to me. The news tells us the next best thing in promoting longevity and increasing our years here but often seems to neglect such an action that has a great impact on our lives. Men can gain so much power and insight over their health and future health by knowing what diseases they are at risk for either through lifestyle or family history, with that knowledge meaningful change and actions can be taken. If they do not know what actions to take, there are so many resources available through associations or foundations paths can be followed. We just need to take the first step, which is to gain the knowledge of where we need to start by identifying problems or what could lead to problems with our health.
I believe Men’s Health Month is a powerful reminder for us to step up and take charge of our health. I believe framing why this is important may strike a chord with many men, especially fathers (June also has Father’s Day during the month which seems appropriate for Men’s Health Month). I am a father and the following is also how I frame my view on my health if I need motivation: I am not only doing this for me and my health, but also to see my children experience their lives, and to be an active part in my grandchildren’s lives! I want to be playing on the floor and rolling around with them, just as I have done with my children. Remember, your health journey doesn't end this month—it's a lifelong commitment. Together, let's defy the decline in men's life expectancy and build a healthier, happier future. Take action today for a better tomorrow!
R. Henderson
References:
Men's Health Network. (n.d.). Men's Health Month. Retrieved from https://www.menshealthmonth.org/
National Center for Health Statistics. (2021). Life Expectancy in the U.S. Dropped for the Second Year in a Row in 2021.