Men… Take Control of Your Health …Get Screened!

According to Cleveland Clinic…for many reasons, men are much less likely than women to seek medical care, sometimes causing harmful delays in diagnosis and treatment. Many of the major health risks that men face, like diabetes, prostate cancer or heart disease can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. (ref.1).

It is important to note that a Cleveland Clinic Survey (2019) stated that men in general will do almost anything they can to avoid screenings. (ref.2) One of your male family members or neighbors might be building a patio this summer and putting off scheduling doctor appointments and routine screenings. One of the most problematic behaviors contributing to this lifespan disparity is the non-help-seeking nature amongst men. Statistics show that women are 33% more likely to visit their doctor and 100% better at maintaining screening and preventive services than men. (ref. 3) The Cleveland Clinic has launched a campaign, MENtion it -that encourages men to get screened. (ref. 4)

As a nation, we celebrated Mother’s Day May 18, 2022. On June 19, 2022 we as nation will be celebrating Father’s Day. It is important to note that there are significant differences between the health of men and women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States, on average, die 5 years earlier than women and die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death, heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries. (ref. 5)

According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health the June national observance is used to raise awareness about health care for men and focus on encouraging boys, men and their families to practice and implement healthy living decisions, such as exercising and eating healthy. (Ref. 6) Health Legacy of Cleveland, Ohio like the HHS Office of Minority Health encourages men to take control of their health, and for families to teach young boys healthy habits throughout childhood.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ OMH’s has Five Plays for Men’s Health that remind men and boys that they can improve their health by doing the following:

  • By seeking medical advice when needed
  • Making healthy food choices
  • Staying active
  • Quitting smoking
  • Getting regular checkups (screenings) and taking care of their mental health (ref.7)

There isn’t one particular reason for this lifespan and health disparity, but there is a group of factors that contribute to the cause. A higher percentage of men do not have healthcare coverage – this, in turn, leads to a lower use of healthcare resources, as men are less likely to schedule routine doctor’s appointments. When compared to women, men make a significantly lower amount of doctor visits for preventive care. They also tend to be involved and employed in more dangerous occupations such as mining, firefighting, and construction (ref. 8) (ref.9)

REFERENCES:

1.Men’s Health | Cleveland Clinic

https://my.clevelandclinic.org › depts › mens-health

2. Men will do almost anything to avoid going to the doctor

https://www.oneinsix.org › cms › news

3. 5 Tips for Men’s Health Month

4.Cleveland Clinic MENtion it Survey Results

https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org › 2016/08

5. Vital Statistics Rapid Release – Centers for Disease Control …

https://www.cdc.gov › data › vsrr › VSRR10-508

6. Men’s Health Month – The Office of Minority Health

https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov › omh › content

7. Men’s Health Month – The Office of Minority Health

https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov › omh › content

8. (5 Tips for Men’s Health Month)

https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/content.aspx?ID=10238

9. New Study Looks Into Why Females Live Longer Than Males

https://www.voanews.com › science-health_new-study-loo.