Blog Post

Make some winning plays during Men's Health Month

by Wellness Champions, Concordia Plans

Upcoming Health topics

  3rd Quarter Focus: Be prepared

July: Water Intake and UV Safety Month
August: Sleep
September: National Preparedness Month

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up … 1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

Make some winning plays during Men's Health Month

For all the guys out there: June is Men’s Health Month. Your response is probably: “It’s no big deal.” Actually, it is a big deal because YOU ARE a big deal to your family, friends and everyone else who counts on you. 

According to an article from Harvard University, the average lifespan is about five years longer for women than men in the U.S., and about seven years longer worldwide. This is due in part to the fact that: 

  1. Men are 50% more likely than women to die of heart disease because of poorly treated high blood pressure or unfavorable cholesterol levels.
  2. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, men are far more likely to skip routine health screenings and far less likely than women to have seen a doctor of any kind during the previous year.

During Men’s Health Month, Concordia Plans, along with others who care and count on you, urge you to schedule screenings and take care of anything that’s been bothering you. You may have a lot going on and other things you’d rather be doing, but at least consider completing the following six plays to score better health:

  1. Protect your heart: Heart disease is the #1 killer of men. Make fruits and vegetables half of your plate to build a healthier heart.
  2. Get moving: Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to help you live longer and healthier.
  3. Prevention. Prevention. Prevention: Regular check-ups can catch smaller problems before they become big ones. Among the most important screenings are those that assess cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes risk and weight, which can detect and prevent cardiovascular disease. Screening for cancers, such as colorectal, lung, prostate and skin, are also important. Learn what screenings you should have in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s →
  4. If it applies, it’s time to quit: Smoking causes cancer, heart disease and stroke. 
  5. Check on your pals: “Hey, man, you good?” Seeking support for yourself or a friend is another important way to encourage a healthy focus on men’s health. 
  6. Don’t ignore the warning signs: Research shows that men seek out medical treatment, for both preventive screenings and sick visits, much less than women. Ignoring worrisome symptoms significantly increases a man’s risk for illness and early death. Watch out for these common early warning signs:
  • Odd looking moles and other skin irregularities.
  • Excessive snoring.
  • Changes in bowel habits.
  • Frequent heartburn.
  • Excessive thirst.
  • Chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Trouble with vision.
  • Frequent fatigue.

 

mens-health-ribbon-1  And for those who think men’s health is a big deal, show your support and bring awareness by wearing blue on “Wear Blue Day” Friday, June 16.

Sources: 
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/mens-health/six-plays/
 https://weillcornell.org/news/staying-on-top-of-your-health-during-mens-health-month

 

 

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