By Tanya Hamel
There are a few national holidays we as Americans celebrate in June. Father’s Day is a big one. Every year, millions of families gather, barbecue, picnic and celebrate those wonderful men who mean so much to them, so it seems quite fitting that June is National Men’s Health Month.
Men, be they fathers, husbands, partners, brothers, sons or friends, play very important roles in our lives. Bringing awareness to men’s health is very necessary as not all health problems affect men and women the same. For instance, according to the American Cancer Society, about 35% more men than women are diagnosed with and die from colon cancer. Men also tend to get the disease at an earlier age than women.
Not just colon cancer, but cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and many other health concerns affect men and women differently. The most common cause of death for men in the U.S. is heart disease (the same as women), but the average age of a first heart attack for men is just 66 years and 70 for women. Anatomy and hormones definitely contribute to our differences, but things like career professions and recreational activities play a part as well. Did you know that men make up about 55% of the workforce but account for 92% of all workplace deaths?
So where do we start? How can we keep the men in our lives around longer?
As my father used to say, “The first line of defense is a good defense.” Taking an interest in your health and making healthy choices are a great way to begin. When it comes to diet, start with small steps – eating a healthy breakfast and avoiding fast food. Including fruits and vegetables in each meal help ensure you get the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Staying active is also important – men should continuously look for ways to keep moving. This can be playing with kids or grandchildren, taking the stairs or playing a sport with friends or your partner. Staying active also fights depression – statistics say, inactive men are 60% more likely to suffer from depression.
Then, of course, there are preventive measures. Easier said than done, right? Men tend to avoid doctors. Statistically, women are 100% more likely to visit their doctor for annual visits. Most men will not go to see a medical provider even when they suspect something may be wrong.
This has been argued from every angle. Some say they just don’t have time because of demanding jobs, family life, etc. Others only go because “my wife made me.” There are many factors – from our upbringing, to lack of insurance or costs, to the fear of hearing something we don’t want to hear that keeps anyone, men or women, from going to the doctor. The fact of the matter is that if caught early enough, most forms of cancer and disease are very treatable and in some cases curable. So be sure to give yourself a fighting chance and get your checkups.
Health Alliance offers many different types of wellness screenings as well as yearly wellness visits with your primary care provider at no cost to our members – providing perks and benefits like “Health Coaching” to help you set and reach your health goals, “Quit for Life” to help kick a tobacco addiction and “Be Fit” to help pay for gym memberships or sports fees. Health Alliance knows that if we provide the tools to keep our members healthy and happy, they can get back to living their best lives.
Happy Father’s Day to all you wonderful dads. Take care of yourselves – the world needs “horsies” to ride, shoulders to sit on, bike-riding coaches, driving instructors and proud protectors like you.
Tanya Hamel is a community liaison for Health Alliance Northwest, serving Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties in Washington. Tanya was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her family and their two dogs.
Like this article? Feel free to respond to Outreach@HealthAlliance.org. Thanks for reading!