International Men’s Health Month 2023: Facts, Importance

International Men’s Health Month, observed every June, is a critical global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues, promoting early detection and treatment, regular health screenings, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the facts, significance, and mental health focus of International Men’s Health Month 2023. Men’s Health Month, be sure to have conversations about mental health and masculinity.

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas _ “June is Men’s Health Month, a time to encourage men to “take the bull by the horns” and focus on their health and wellness.”

Men’s Health Month Significance:

Some staggering statistics highlight the urgency of this campaign:

• Approximately 350,000 men succumb to cardiovascular disease each year, as reported by the CDC.
• Over 700,000 men are diagnosed with cancer annually, with 300,000 of them facing fatal outcomes (Men’s Health Resource Center).
• Prostate cancer affects around 230,000 men every year, ranking as the second leading cause of death in men (Cancer.org).
• More than 60% of adult American men grapple with being overweight or obesity, per the National Institutes of Health.
• Men’s Health Month 2023 encourages men and boys to take charge of their health by making healthy lifestyle decisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.

Travis Batts, medical director, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center Cardiology Department. “As much as I enjoy seeing patients, I would much rather see them walking around healthy and happy than in my cardiac catheterization lab.”

Healthcare Resource Utilization among Men:

“This month is an opportunity to educate, empower, and energize men to make healthy choices and to focus on preventable health problems,” said Air Force Col. (Dr.). The Cleveland Clinic conducted a survey involving over 500 American men aged 18-70, revealing some concerning trends:

• Only 3 out of 5 men undergo annual physical check-ups.
• A significant portion (over 40%) of men only seek medical attention when they perceive a severe health issue.
• Surprisingly, more than half of the surveyed men admitted that discussing their health was not a common practice.
• On average, men die about five years earlier than women and have higher mortality rates from some cancers and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Research from the American Psychological Association reveals that 30.6% of men have experienced depression during their lifetime.

Why Men’s Health Month Is Important?

International Men’s Health Month (June) serves as a reminder of the unique health challenges faced by men and the importance of addressing them. It offers a platform for conversations about various aspects of men’s health and wellness, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here’s why Men’s Health Month is crucial:

1. Raise Awareness: The campaign educates both men and women about the specific health risks that affect men, increasing awareness and understanding of these issues.
2. Early Detection: It emphasizes the significance of early detection and regular health screenings, enabling men to identify potential health concerns before they become more severe.
3. Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Men’s Health Month encourages men to adopt healthier lifestyles, including exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management.
4. Mental Health Focus: In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on men’s mental health, making Men’s Health Month a platform to address mental health issues.

Reluctance to Seek Healthcare:

• Society often portrays men as strong and unyielding, akin to superheroes like Captain America and Superman. This portrayal has inadvertently contributed to men’s hesitation in seeking medical care.
• The Cleveland Clinic’s survey confirmed that 40% of men delay doctor visits until they face a critical health problem, avoiding routine check-ups.
• A staggering 21% of men avoid medical appointments out of fear of potential diagnoses, highlighting the reluctance to confront health issues.

Prostate Cancer Prevalence:

• Prostate cancer impacts one in nine men, making it the most common cancer among American men, according to the American Cancer Society. NCI offers information on prostate cancer.
• Early screening for prostate cancer is crucial, especially considering men’s historical reluctance to embrace preventive care.
• While many prostate cancer cases progress slowly and may not require immediate treatment, early detection remains the key to effective management.

Men’s Health Month: Tips for a Healthier Life

To lead a healthier life, men can consider the following tips during Men’s Health Month awareness 2023 and beyond:

1. Regular Check-ups: Schedule annual health screenings with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and catch any issues early.
2. Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit your intake of processed foods and sugary beverages.
3. Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. Visit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to set goals and get personalized tips to help you stay motivated.
4. Mental Well-being: Prioritize your mental health by seeking support when needed, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and opening up about your feelings.
5. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: If you smoke, seek assistance to quit, and limit alcohol consumption to recommended levels. According to the CDC the percentage of men aged 18 and over who had five or more drinks in 1 day at least once in the past year: 30.9%
6. Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep, typically 7-9 hours per night, to support overall health.

What are the top health concerns of men?

The top health concerns for men vary but often include:

1. Heart Disease: Men are at a higher risk of heart disease, making it one of the leading causes of death among men.
2. Cancer: Prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are common among men. Regular screenings can detect cancer at earlier stages.
3. Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are concerns in men’s mental health. Stigma often prevents men from seeking help.
4. Obesity: Obesity is linked to numerous health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Percent of men aged 20 and over with obesity: 41.6% (2017-March 2020) reported by CDC.
5. Diabetes: Men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, making it essential to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

Why do men die younger than women?

Several factors contribute to the fact that men, on average, have a shorter life expectancy than women. These include:

1. Less Healthcare Utilization: Men are less likely to seek medical care, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment of health issues.
2. Hormonal Differences: Biological differences between men and women can affect susceptibility to certain diseases.

What can I do to stay healthy and prevent disease?

To stay healthy and prevent disease, men can take the following proactive steps:

1. Regular Health Screenings: Schedule routine check-ups with your healthcare provider to detect and address health issues early.
2. Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and low in saturated fats and sugars.
3. Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, incorporating both cardiovascular and strength training exercises. HHS can help in physical activities.
4. Mental Health Support: Seek professional help or talk to someone you trust if you’re experiencing mental health concerns.
5. Manage Stress: Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.
6. Limit Risky Behaviors: Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.

What is the message of Men’s Health Month?

The message of Men’s Health Month (June)is to raise awareness about men’s health issues, promote early detection and treatment, and encourage healthy living. It emphasizes that taking proactive steps to address physical and mental health is vital for overall well-being.

What is the concept of Men’s health?

The concept of men’s health encompasses all aspects of well-being that are particularly relevant to men. This includes physical health, mental health, sexual health, and social well-being. It highlights the need for men to pay attention to their health throughout their lives.

Men’s Health Month celebrated in June, seeks to bridge this health gap, promoting healthier lifestyles, breaking down stigmas, and encouraging regular health screenings to improve the overall well-being of men. For Men’s Health Month, the CDC provides tips on how men can live healthier and more productive lives, and Health and Human Services (HHS) helps to live more independent, healthier lives for longer.

Numerous organizations, including the CDC, HHS, AHRQ, NCI, and Sam’s Club, are dedicated to promoting men’s health and offering guidance and insights for Men’s Health Month. Men’s physical health, mental health, and health screenings are topics that desperately need to be addressed, and you can help make a difference by speaking up about it!