Men’s Health: Breaking the Stigma
- Mainline Pharmacy
- 12 minutes ago
- 5 min read
June is the month to break the silence around men’s health and raise awareness regarding preventable diseases, early detection, and the importance of both physical and mental health.
According to several studies across men’s health, 14% of men 18 and older are in fair or poor health, 11% currently smoke cigarettes, 7% use e-cigarettes, 50% have hypertension (high blood pressure), 39% of men 20 and older are obese, and 10% of men under 65 are without health insurance. The number of deaths of men of all ages is 1.6 million, with the leading causes being heart disease, cancer, and accidents. ¹ Those stats may seem surprising, which is why this month is dedicated to raising awareness.
Preventive Care and Screenings
It’s no surprise that men are more hesitant than women to seek medical attention for issues and tend to avoid preventive care with their healthcare team. With early detection being one of the best ways to manage and treat medical issues, this is cause for concern.
Preventive Care
The best way to stay healthy is to take proactive measures to prevent diseases and health issues before they begin. Regular physical exams are a great way to identify any early health problems. It’s recommended that men 50 and older get a physical exam every year, and those under 50 get one every three to five years. Even if you feel healthy, there may be underlying issues that wouldn’t otherwise be known.
Another great way to stay healthy is to stay up to date on your vaccines. The CDC has a recommended adult immunization schedule by age group, which you can view here. ² Getting vaccinated against preventable diseases is the best way to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
Screenings by Age
As we make our way through life, we are more susceptible to different cancers and specific medical conditions. Here is a list of health concerns and when you should get tested: ³
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: 65-70 if you have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in your lifetime, or regularly after 60, if your family has a history of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Colon Cancer: Beginning at age 45 or 10 years prior to the age of which an immediate relative was diagnosed with colon cancer.
Diabetes: Men older than 45, or those whose body mass index is above 25 at any age.
High Blood Pressure: No matter your age, you should get this checked once every two years. If you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it, talk to your healthcare provider about more frequent screenings.
High Cholesterol: Starting at 18, men who are at risk for heart disease should get checked every five years.
Lung Cancer: Men ages 50-80 with a history of smoking should get a screening every year.
Prostate Cancer: Starting at age 50, or as recommended by your healthcare team.
If you have any history of health issues, it’s best to speak with your trusted healthcare team to determine when the appropriate time is for you to get screened.
Nutrition
In the U.S., new dietary guidelines are focused on returning to the basics of a balanced diet: protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and health fats. A proper diet can help ensure you are getting the nutrients you need to fuel your body. Follow the dietary guidelines laid out below by the USDA for a proper diet: ⁴
Eat the right amount for you. Calories may change depending on age, sex, weight, height, and level of physical activity.
Prioritize protein. High-quality, nutrient-dense protein should be included with every meal. Examples include eggs, poultry, seafood, red meat, beans, peas, and nuts.
Consume dairy. Include full-fat dairy for an added source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Shoot for 3 servings per day based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day. Prioritize colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits, either fresh, frozen, dried, or canned. Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, aim for 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit per day.
Incorporate healthy fats. Although more research is needed to determine which types of fats best support health in the long run, focus on healthy fats from meats, poultry, and omega-3 rich foods.
Focus on whole grains. Prioritize fiber-rich whole grains with 2-4 servings per day. This may be adjusted as needed based on your individual caloric requirements.
Limit high-processed foods, added sugar, and refined carbs. Choose nutrient-dense options and try avoiding or limiting pre-packaged foods, and artificial flavors or dyes. Try to keep added sugars under 10 grams for each meal.
Limit alcoholic beverages. For better overall health, limit your use of alcoholic beverages. It’s also important for the following groups to avoid alcohol use altogether: pregnant women, those recovering from alcohol abuse, people taking medications, or those with certain medical conditions. It’s also important to note that those with a family history of alcoholism should be mindful of their alcohol consumption. Historically, men have an alcohol use disorder rate of roughly 20%. ⁵
To get even more out of these guidelines, focus on eating foods that help support heart, bone, and prostate health. These foods include fish (salmon, tuna, herring), berries (black-, blue-, rasp-), fruits (grapes, mango, papaya), whole grains (whole-wheat, brown rice), and leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard). ⁶ Even with a proper diet, supplementation may still be needed. Talk to our team to see what supplements are right for you.
Physical Activity & Mental Health
Did you know that physical activity helps support both your physical health and mental health? This is what makes physical activity one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. ⁷ Regardless of sex, adults need 150 minutes of physical activity each week with at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity. This easily cuts down to just 30 minutes a day for 5 days a week. Benefits of getting active include: ⁷
Improved thinking and cognition
Reduced risk of depression and anxiety
Weight management
Lower risk for: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and infectious disease
Stronger bones and muscles
Ability to perform daily activities at ease
Prevents falls in older age
Increased chances of a longer life
Management of chronic health conditions and disabilities
Although physical activity can help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, it is still important to understand the role of mental health in a man’s life. Men’s mental health matters; plain and simple. Through stigma relating to men’s mental health and their role in society, men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Men’s Health Month is the perfect opportunity to break that stigma and encourage men to seek help.
It’s crucial to know the warning signs and symptoms of mental health disorders in men, as they are often different from those in women. Unique symptoms include excessive work, chronic pain, substance abuse, aggressive behavior, risky actions, sudden mood or energy changes, and trouble concentrating. ⁸ If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, talk to a doctor or mental health professional; explore options such as therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes; reach out to trusted friends and family; or consider joining support groups.
Men, take some time this month to prioritize your health. Schedule those doctor appointments, get those screenings, focus on your diet, hit the gym, and seek help if you need it. If you have any questions on how to better your health this month or need help taking that first step, talk to our pharmacy team today.
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