Men’s Health Month
June is Men’s Health Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 14% of men age 18 and older are in fair or poor health.
But when men take care of their bodies, they protect their well-being and lead the way for the people they love.
Read on to learn which health problems affect men most and how to prevent these conditions.
Heart disease includes several types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. It’s the leading cause of death for men in the United States, according to the CDC, and more common in men than women. In 2019, 7% of U.S. men reported having heart disease. From 2013–16, 47% of men had high blood pressure, a major risk factor.
Cancer is the second most common cause of death for men in the U.S. Men are more likely than women to get it. Prostate cancer is the most common, except for non-melanoma skin cancer. Fortunately, this cancer is treatable. According to the CDC, 97% of U.S. patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014-20 did not die from it within five years.
A stroke is when a blood vessel breaks and part of the brain can’t receive blood. In 2022, it was the most common cause of death for men in the U.S. after heart disease, cancer, accidents and COVID-19, according to the CDC. Men under age 44 are hospitalized for certain types of stroke more often than women in the same age group. Four of five strokes are preventable.
Protect Your Health
Men have the power to reduce their risk for heart disease, cancer and stroke. To protect your health:
- Be active. Any exercise is better than none.
- Do not drink alcohol. If you do, limit how much you drink.
- Get a checkup every year, even if you feel like nothing is wrong.
- Don’t smoke. If you would like help quitting, get free support from a specialist.
- Eat vegetables, fruit, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein.
- Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats. Avoid foods with added sugar and sodium.
- Check your blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and weight. Tell your doctor if anything is unusual.
- Manage stress. Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night, talk with people you trust and set aside time to relax.
Talk to Your Doctor
Your doctor can provide the best advice about ways to stay in good health. Ask how to prevent illnesses that tend to affect men, especially if there is a history of these conditions in your family. Learn more about heart disease, cancer and stroke.
