The month of June is Men’s Health Month, according to the Men’s Health Network, a non-profit educational organization made up of physicians, researchers, public health workers, health professionals and individuals. The organization was formed in 1992 by a group of health professionals and key thought leaders, all interested in improving the health and well-being of men and boys.
The goal of Men’s Health Month is to promote awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease. The month provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals, public policy makers, media and individuals to encourage men and boys to seek medical advice and early treatment for injuries and diseases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death, which include heart disease, cancer, injuries, stroke, suicide and HIV/AIDS. One of the reasons for this is that women are more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventative services.
In fact, research shows that early signs of cancer in men are often missed – approximately 30,000 men in the United States die each year from prostate cancer. On average, men die almost six years younger than women. By the age of 100, women outnumber men eight to one.
Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The Men’s Health Network coordinates dozens of corporate, government, religious and fraternal activities across the country.
The week of June 9th leading up to Father’s Day is considered National Men’s Health Week. The CDC uses this week to promote changes in lifestyle among men, like quitting smoking, exercising frequently and eating healthier, getting more sleep, finding affordable healthcare and seeing a doctor for regular checkups and physicals. Having a physical is especially important because many serious conditions do not have any symptoms. Regular checkups can help diagnose issues before they become serious.
Use this week to schedule that doctor appointment you or your loved one may have been putting off. Start a new exercise program, like American Senior Communities’ New Energy Wellness, or even just introduce more veggies into your diet. Feeling healthy and taking care of yourself is so important to your quality of life.
From all of us here at American Senior Communities, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
For more information about ASC, please visit www.ASCSeniorCare.com.
