When it comes to health and mortality, there’s a definite gender gap in the US. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women outlive men by 5.4 years. Men are more likely to have potentially fatal conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, compared with women. They’re also more likely to put off seeking medical care, even when they’re experiencing symptoms.
June is Men’s Health Month. Statistics about the gender disparities in health illustrate why it’s so important to encourage men to seek the care they need to stay healthy and live longer.
One way to spark conversations is to wear blue on June 18. Aptly named Wear BLUE Day, the day is an opportunity to raise awareness for men’s health and remind men to take care of themselves. Read on to learn more about the health disparities among men and women – and how preventative care can help save men’s lives.
According to the CDC:
- Only 28% of men get enough exercise (according to federal guidelines) each week.
- About 12.5% of men use tobacco and nearly 31% have consumed five or more alcoholic beverages in a day in the past year. More men than women use tobacco and alcohol, both of which can harm cardiovascular health.
- About 15% of men are in “fair or poor” health, while 42% are obese and almost 52% have hypertension.
- Of the three leading causes of death for men, two (heart disease and cancer) can be detected and have better outcomes if detected early. (Accidents and unintentional injuries make up the third leading cause of death for men.)
- Men are less likely than women to seek help with their mental health, and they are more likely to die by suicide.
Why preventative care matters for men
An annual checkup with a primary-care provider can help men stay on top of their well-being, even if they are seemingly fit and healthy. These regular check-ups screen for potential issues and determine a person’s risk for health problems in the future. Here’s a look at what regular check-ups entail for men at different life stages.
Men ages 18-39:
Physical: The provider will go over any medication updates and health concerns (including emotional health and any changes since the last appointment. The exam may include:
- Blood pressure (tested at least every 2 years if within normal ranges)
- Cholesterol (tested every 5 years if within normal ranges)
- Diabetes screening (when there are risk factors)
- Screenings for depression, alcohol and tobacco use
- Vaccinations
Men over age 40:
Physical: The exam is basically the same, but some tests happen more often.
- Blood pressure (at least once a year)
- Cholesterol (every 5 years if within normal ranges)
- Diabetes screening (tested every 3 years)
- Lung cancer screening (after age 55, if a man does/did smoke)
- Screenings for mental health, alcohol and tobacco use
- Vaccinations
Colorectal cancer screening: Starting at age 50, men should be tested every 5 years.
Prostate cancer screening: At age 50, most men should be screened for prostate cancer. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing can be part of the annual routine checkup and blood panel.
Santiam Hospital’s primary care clinic cares for men and women at all stages of life. Make an appointment for a check-up today.
Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
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