Today’s guest post comes from Erica Moss, community manager for Georgetown University’s online fnp (family nurse practitioner) program. She enjoys blogging, TV, pop culture, and tweeting @ericajmoss.
Editor’s Note: Though Men’s Health Month is technically over, it’s important to advocate for the health of everyone every day!
***
June is Men’s Health Month, a special observance to help educate men, boys and their families about the importance of making health, well-being and preventative health practices a priority. The month is celebrated by screenings, health fairs, and other health education and outreach activities.
“We advocate and promote the health and well-being of men and boys in America and worldwide year around,” according to Ana Fadich, Men’s Health Network vice president, in a press release. “We invite all men to take advantage of the many health screenings and other health directed activities, which are taking place in June in their communities — if not for their own sake, then out of love and care for their families — healthier men lead to stronger and happier families.”
The statistics are staggering: Seven million American men have not attended a physician’s appointment in more than 10 years, according to an infographic from Nursing@Georgetown. Two-thirds of men would not seek a health care professional if they were experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, two early warning signs of a heart attack.
“Much more needs to be done by providers to help motivate boys and men to engage in their health, and Men’s Health Month in June is the best time to begin to reach them with health-awareness messages and programs, ” said Salvatore J. Giorgianni, Jr., PharmD, Chair, Men’s Health Caucus Constituency of the American Public Health Association and Science Advisor, Men’s Health Network. “To help prevent many of the medical conditions that lead to premature death, it is imperative for the boys and men of our nation to become more knowledgeable about health strategies and to take charge of their own wellness and health care.”
Perhaps the most impactful finding: More than half of all premature deaths among men are preventable.
“Men — especially men of color — live shorter, less healthy lives than women, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Armin Brott, nationally syndicated columnist and radio host of “Positive Parenting,” and editor of TalkingAboutMensHealth.com. “Guys are often so concerned with taking care of their family that they neglect their own health. To prevent any illnesses and ensure you’ll be around longer to take care and provide for those you love, go and get checked in June.”
The infographic below lays out additional statistics about the state of men’s health in the United States, and offers suggestions for improving men’s health, including when and how often they should be tested for certain health issues. This content is meant for informational purposes only, and is not meant as personal health guidance.
Tweet
Facebook
LinkedIn
StumbleUpon
Digg
Delicious