This Men’s Health Week Encourage The Men in Your Life To Prevent Health Issues

With the theme, “Wear Blue and a Mask, Too,” this year marks the 27th anniversary of the creation of Men’s Health Week, a celebration that takes place every year since 1994 during June and before Father’s Day. Whether for dad, a friend, your brother, boyfriend, or spouse, direct your attention this week to the wellness and prevention of health problems among boys and men.

Over 40% of men only go to the doctor when they think they have a serious health issue. Now more than ever, it’s essential to encourage your loved ones to live a healthy life, which includes regular check-ups and treatment that can prevent diseases and save lives. According to a 2019 survey from Cleveland Clinic, 72% of men would instead do household chores, like cleaning the bathroom or mowing the lawn, than go to the doctor. Only 50% of the surveyed men said to consider their annual check-up a regular part of taking care of themselves.

Some severe diseases for men to be aware of includes heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, killing 357,761 men in 2019—that’s about 1 in every 4 male deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, other health conditions and lifestyle choices, such as hypertension, diabetes, overweight and unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and alcohol excess, can increase the risk for heart disease.

Meanwhile, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among American men and the most common type aside from skin cancer. Estimates from the American Cancer Society’s indicate that new cases of prostate cancer in 2021 will reach 248,530 and deaths about 34,130. Although the survival rate varies depending on the type of prostate cancer and the stage, there are over 3.1 million survivors in the U.S. nowadays.

Another health issue that needs attention is overweight and obesity. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease indicates that the pervasive condition affects over 70% of U.S. adults. In addition, many health problems are linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, joint problems, and gallstones, to mention a few.

This Men’s Health Week, and in preparation for Father’s Day, give the best gift of love. Encourage the men in your life to prevent health issues by visiting their doctors and seeking treatment that can help save lives.