• By Sarah Frantz Isom, MPH, CHES
• Posted Tuesday, June 4, 2019

June is All About the Fellas for Men's Health Month 2019

June is all about the fellas! This month is Men’s Health Month, and also includes Men’s Health Week. In 1994, Congress passed a bill declaring the week before Father’s Day as Men’s Health Week, and this year it is June 11-17th.

On average, men die five years younger than women, and die at higher rates from 9 of the top 10 causes of death. Men are also more likely than women to be uninsured. All of this impacts men’s ability to be involved fathers, supportive partners, and engaged community members. But how can we all help?

Encourage the men in your life to get physicals!

Most of the factors that contribute to men’s shorter, less healthy lives are preventable. That prevention starts with seeing a healthcare provider on a regular basis. Adult men in the United States visit primary care providers at lower rates than adult women. Primary care visits are important for establishing baselines for factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and prostate cancer screening. These visits also enable the primary care provider to catch potentially dangerous conditions early, when they are still treatable.

Help Increase Activity!

The benefits of physical activity on health outcomes are extensive, and many people find it difficult to get motivated for physical activity on their own. Rather than simply telling the men in your life to exercise, do it with them! Join a recreation league at your local community center, sign up for group personal training or lessons, or simply make a routine out of regular walks! Adults need 2 ½ hours of physical activity each week.

More information on Men’s Health and Healthy Habits can be found at https://healthfinder.gov/healthtopics/population/men/doctor-visits/men-take-charge-of-your-health