Men’s Health Month: Embrace Wellness This June

June is Men’s Health Month, which means it’s time to put your health and well-being at the forefront. This month serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of men's health and inspire men to take charge of their wellness.

According to an article from Indiana University School of Medicine, only 60 percent of men reported going to the doctor for a routine visit in the last year. This means that two-fifths of all men are missing out on preventive care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and more severe health issues. Additionally, the latest mortality rates among men and women show that, on average, women live 5.9 years longer than men.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the racial disparities that exist within these statistics. Comparatively, women live a full 8.3 years longer than Black men. Black men have the highest mortality rates for heart disease and cancer, far outnumbering their White, Hispanic, and Asian male counterparts.

It is crucial to consider racial disparity in health care. While we focus on advancing better health and wellness practices for all men, we must not forget our commitment to building a better and more equitable health care system. Recognizing these disparities is a vital step toward addressing and improving health outcomes for all men.

Statistics like these highlight the growing health gap between men and women and underscore the need to champion change. It is time to take a deeper look at men’s health and explore what can be done to increase awareness and decrease the stigma.

Challenges in Men’s Health

When we talk about men's health, we encompass physical, mental, and lifestyle-related well-being. Men's physical health includes concerns such as cardiovascular health, cancer, and diabetes. Overall, men have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes than women. Contributing factors to these statistics include fewer doctor visits, lifestyle and dietary tendencies, biological makeup, and more.

Maintaining good mental health practices is just as important as maintaining physical health. There is an overwhelming upward trend in men suffering from anxiety and depression. According to Mental Health America, over 6 million American men suffer from depression each year. Additionally, suicide rates among men have been steadily increasing since 2000. To combat these rising statistics, mental health experts emphasize the importance of maintaining safe and supportive social networks, eating well, getting ample exercise, and seeking counseling.

A man's lifestyle is a significant factor in his overall health and well-being, both physically and mentally. Research shows that 34.1 percent of adult men are overweight and that men are more likely to drink to excess than women. Both poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption are high-risk lifestyle behaviors. By prioritizing a nutritious and balanced diet and focusing on healthy alcohol consumption habits, men can improve both their mental and physical wellness and overall lifestyle.

Preventative Measures to Improve Men’s Health

With previously mentioned risks such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, alcohol abuse, and depression, it is important to note that there are several preventative measures and lifestyle adaptations that can help reduce the risk of disease and unhealthy behaviors.

One simple step to a better, healthier lifestyle is to book annual checkups and screenings to stay on top of your wellness. Preventative care is vital for a healthy lifestyle. Consider measures like annual checkups, routine screenings, and physical therapy. Physical therapy can prevent many different injuries by improving a patient’s strength and balance. Medical professionals can assess your current state of well-being and detect any potentially dangerous or life-threatening health risks early.

“Modern pain science powerfully embraces lifestyle medicine and men should take the time to embrace sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and more to improve quality of life,” says Adriaan Louw, vice president of faculty experience, EIM, and pain science director, EIM.

Another way to jumpstart your health and wellness is through diet and exercise. It’s important to set goals, but make sure they are attainable. Start simple. The recommended amount of aerobic activity is 150 minutes per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. If your goal is to hit the recommended 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week, you can start by walking 22 minutes per day. Having a healthier diet can be as simple as adding more greens, prioritizing meal prep, or eating colorfully. A healthy diet, much like life, is all about balance.

Education and Resources for Men’s Health

Education is key to improving health and well-being. It’s important to utilize all available resources and industry experts. Consult with doctors, nutritionists, and other professionals to develop a wellness plan tailored to your specific needs.

Consider investing in a personal trainer, a gym membership, or home fitness equipment. If you are also focusing on financial fitness, there are many free wellness apps, online workouts, and nutrition plans available at your fingertips. Additionally, you may want to sign up for a low-cost recreational sports league. This is a great way to build your social and wellness network with like-minded individuals.

Make sure to check out your work benefits and offerings. Many companies provide wellness stipends, mental health assistance, and exercise classes. At Evidence In Motion and Confluent Health, we actively encourage our employees to prioritize their health and well-being. “Confluent Health encourages a healthy lifestyle through our various wellness programs, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest, and helps maintain a better work-life balance. This balance is essential for long-term career sustainability and personal satisfaction,” said Scott Mayo, chief people officer, Confluent Health.

To address mental health and well-being, several resources are available, including therapy, support groups (both in person and online), and crisis hotlines. Remember, your mental health is important. Please do not hesitate to seek help.

Taking Charge

Prioritizing your wellness is crucial for personal growth. Begin by scheduling annual checkups and screenings, as preventive care is wise care. Set achievable wellness goals that still challenge you to excel. Utilize resources such as health care professionals and support groups.

To support Men’s Health Month, strive to dismantle stigmas surrounding mental and men’s health. Be a pillar of support for the men in your life and advocate for healthy activities and lifestyles. Remember, seizing control of your health lays the groundwork for a more fulfilling future. Seek assistance without hesitation and make informed decisions to lead a balanced, healthy life.

At EIM, we are forging a future for better men's health by empowering practitioners through lifelong learning. Our commitment to continuous education ensures that health care professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide superior care. By supporting the growth and development of health care providers, we aim to improve health outcomes for men everywhere. Join us in this mission to promote wellness and create a healthier future for all.