Men’s Health Awareness, Education, and Prevention.

We end June with a special awareness dedication to all men in honor of Men’s Health Education and Awareness Month. This special observance, which was passed into law in 1994 aims to educate the public and to raise awareness of preventable illnesses affecting the health of both boys and adult males.

The different activities organized by public, private and religious organizations during this month, seek to encourage Men’s Health Awareness overall by recommending the male population to get regular checkups and medical advice to increase early detection and treatment.

According to experts, the need to shed light on men’s health awareness is a growing

 concern.  Men’s health is experiencing a widespread crisis in America, affecting all communities, ethnic and economic groups. According to the Men’s Health Network, this crisis is due to a lack of awareness, weak health education and culturally induced behavioral patterns in both work and personal lifestyles.  We hope to highlight the importance that regular health screenings have, and why we should encourage the men in our lives to get them.

One of the ugly truths that we face is that men’s life expectancy is lower them women’s.  While some ailments are gender specific, in those that are not, men are more likely to die from them than women are. Fortunately, most of these illnesses are preventable through proper men’s health awareness, education, and prevention.  Men can now take steps to avoid potential health problems by recognizing the symptoms, having regular medical checkups, and making healthier life choices.

Heart Disease

A major men’s health awareness concern is heart disease. The term heart disease comprises a number of different conditions, such as coronary heart disease, angina, heart failure, strokes, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias. All can lead to serious and often fatal complications if they are not diagnosed in time. According to the American Heart Association, 1 in 3 adult males in the US already suffers from some sort of cardiovascular disease.

A SERIOUS MEN’S HEALTH CONCERN:

Cancer

Another major men’s health awareness concern is cancer which is a major cause of concern for men of all ages.  Prostate, testicular, lung, colorectal, and skin are the most common cancers among men.  During recent years, a large effort has taken place to educate the population on the risk and dangers of prostate cancer.  The American Cancer Society recommends that men with an average risk of prostate cancer receive annual screenings after 50 years of age. In the case of those with a higher risk, the screenings should start as early as 40.  It is never too early to have a screening as testicular cancer is more common among young males ages 20 to 54.

Lung Diseases

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) encompasses both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Most cases of COPD are caused by smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, the other leading cause of COPD according to the American Journal of Epidemiology is occupational exposure to industrial pollutants. Men who smoke or are exposed to chemicals at work are at a much higher risk of developing lung diseases.  All individuals in the high-risk category should get checked at the first sign of difficulty breathing.

Depression

Depression is a less known men’s health awareness issue.  Studies conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimate that some 6 million men suffer from depressive disorders every year. However, the number could be significantly higher.  Individuals may not know they are depressed given that male depression symptoms do not always include sadness.  Instead, depressed men are more prone to exhibit: fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders, and apathy. In addition, men are less likely to seek help, when feeling depressed. Exercise, keeping a journal, and communicating openly with friends and family are good ways for men to deal with depression. If you exhibit symptoms of depression, it is recommended to seek professional help.

Diabetes

Diabetes refers to both a deficiency of insulin or the body’s decreased ability to use it. If left untreated diabetes can lead to nerve and kidney damage, stroke, heart disease, eye problems, and erectile dysfunction. People with diabetes may not present symptoms, therefore screening tests are extremely important.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends adults age 45 or older get screened for diabetes type 2 every three years.  If you have a history of diabetes in your family you should get tested once a year.

Keep the Guys You Love Around Longer!

Altus Emergency Centers encourages you to eat right, get active, get regular checkups and most importantly get informed. Make a lifetime commitment towards good health choices and help increase the likelihood of a long and healthy future. There are a lot of resources available to you and the men in your life, who may be at risk of developing or already have an illness.  Remember that early screening and treatment could help prevent a tragedy.

If you or a loved one ever experience any serious complications as a result of a health ailment or an accident, please visit your nearest Altus Emergency Center.

At Altus Emergency Centers, we are strong advocates of education and prevention. Our expertly trained staff is available 24/7. We are here for you when it’s more than urgent.

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