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Men are significantly less likely than women to see a doctor or report health symptoms to a healthcare provider. In fact, only 60% of men go to the doctor for yearly routine check-ups and 40% of men won’t go to a doctor until they think something might be seriously wrong. More than seven million American men have not seen a doctor in more than ten years. In a recent study, 2/3 of men wouldn’t go see a doctor if they were experiencing chest pain.
On average, men are less healthy and have a shorter lifespan than women. According to Men’s Health Network, men are less likely than women to adopt preventive health measures, are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, less likely to have health insurance, more likely to work in dangerous occupations, and more likely to put off seeking medical attention. The overall mortality rate is 41% higher for men than women and it’s higher for men for 8 out of the 10 leading causes of death – including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. In 1920, women outlived men by an average of one year. Today women outlive men on average by more than five years.
June is Men’s Health Month and is a time to encourage men to be proactive about their health including setting goals for their own health and wellness. Men are encouraged this month to find a primary healthcare provider and make an appointment for a check up and preventive screenings, to get active, eat healthy, pay attention to their mental health including getting enough sleep and managing stress, and to avoid unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, texting while driving, drinking in excess, and not wearing a seatbelt.
Many men were raised to be tough – not to cry, complain, show signs of weakness, and were instructed to ignore aches and pains and to play through injuries. Being tough, though, is killing men. Many illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, can be treated or cured if caught early.
Women can and do make a difference in men’s health. 20% of men report seeing a doctor so their significant other or other loved one will stop nagging them. Women can help the men in their lives by helping to recognize symptoms that may be health warning signs. Things to look out for include: changes in bowel or bladder habits that could indicate prostate, kidney, or bladder problems; impotence or erectile dysfunction which are often caused by an underlying health problem such as diabetes, clogged arteries, or high blood pressure; persistent backaches, changes in the color of urine or stool, obvious changes in warts or moles, unusual lumps, recurrent chest pains or headaches, a nagging cough, unexplained weight loss, and extreme fatigue can all be signs of a serious health problem. Women can not only point out these signs and encourage a medical check-up when seen in the men they love, but they can also help the men in their lives to adopt healthier habits. Significant others can find an exercise routine that is enjoyable for both and together can shop and prepare heart healthy meals. Women might also assist with finding a health provider who has weekend or evening appointments or a medical office that is close to her husband’s work. Women could even make simultaneous or back-to-back appointments for her and her spouse so that they can go together.
Good health leads to better physical and mental performance in sports, work, and in life. Men are role models for their children and for others around them who will be influenced by the example they set in taking care of their health and getting routine check-ups. Instead of “manning up” and not seeking preventive healthcare or medical attention for health symptoms, June is a great time to “man up” and create a healthier lifestyle, establish care with a primary provider, and start the journey to a healthier and longer life!
Mental Health American Stress Screener
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