At-A-Glance: June is Men’s Health Month
With Father’s Day just days away on June 16th, many of us are taking time to think of the perfect gift for Dad this year. But now is also a good time to consider ways to help protect Dad’s health so he can enjoy many more Father’s Days with family.
June marks the kick-off of Men’s Health Month, which raises awareness of preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of diseases in men and boys.
What Are the Top Four Threats to Men’s Health?
- No. 1: Heart Disease Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and is responsible for one in four male deaths, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Heart Association also reports that between 70 and 89 percent of sudden cardiac events occur in males.
- No. 2: Cancer Behind heart disease, cancer is the second-leading cause of death among men. The top cancers that affect men include lung, skin, prostate and colorectal cancer.
- No. 3: Unintentional Injuries Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of fatal accidents among men, followed by poisoning, falls and drowning.
- No. 4: Stroke Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death of men and women in America. It’s also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability.
What Are Some Ways Men Can Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle?
Many people don’t know that men lead women in 14 of 15 of the top causes of death in the United States. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than half of premature deaths in men can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices and routine screening tests. Take these steps to reduce your risk for disease, and live healthier and longer lives:
- Be tobacco free: Smoking causes 90% of lung cancer deaths. To reduce the risk for cancer and other disease, it’s crucial to stop.
- Monitor chronic conditions: If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or other conditions, follow doctor’s treatment recommendations to manage these conditions.
- Include daily physical activity: Take a daily walk, join a group sport, or choose other activities you enjoy to stay active. Physical activity and weight management can reduce a person’s risk for cancer and heart disease.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Drink alcohol only in moderation, as blood pressure and risk for certain types of cancer can increase with the amount of alcohol you consume.
- Eat a healthy diet: Choose vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins – and limit foods that are high in saturated fat and sodium.
- Protect yourself from the sun: When you’re outside, cover up and use plenty of sunscreen.
- Early detection is key: Consult your doctor for regular health screenings.
Where Can I Learn More About Men’s Health Issues?
