Men’s Health Facts
Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month is celebrated in June across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
So, here are some facts about men’s health that you could use:
- In 2010, there were under 90 men per every 100 women in the 65-69 age group
- Over 70% of older men were married in 2012 compared to 45% of women
- Male births outnumbered female births 105 to 100
American men are more likely than American women to get sick from serious health problems. Their mortality rate is also much higher. Men die in greater numbers than women from almost every non-sex-specific health problem. Overall, for every two women who die, three men die.
This figure holds true among children too. In deaths due to accidents or drowning, boys account for two out of three deaths. Male deaths outnumber female deaths in every age group apart from the over-65 years, and only because so many men die before reaching retirement. Compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits and only attend when their illness is in its later stages.
Top 10 causes of premature death in men
Some causes of death are related to sex (or gender). For example, a man cannot die during childbirth, because only women have babies. Similarly, a woman cannot die from prostate cancer, because only men have a prostate gland. According to data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008, the leading causes of death for Australian men include, in order from first to last:
- Ischemic heart disease - 53 per cent of deaths are male
- Trachea and lung cancer - 63 per cent of deaths are male
- Strokes
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases
- Prostate cancer
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Colon and rectum cancer - 54 per cent of deaths are male
- Blood and lymph cancer, including leukemia - 57 per cent of deaths are male
- Diabetes
- Suicide - 78 per cent of deaths are male
Men in Western societies such as the USA are less inclined than women to take an active role in maintaining their health. They are also less likely to seek professional help for problems, particularly those of an emotional nature. The Western definition of masculinity includes strength and silence. Men may feel that it is a sign of weakness or ‘femininity’ to seek help. Males, particularly teenagers, tend to act as if they are invulnerable. This can lead to destructive behaviors such as drug or alcohol binges, or reckless driving. For that and many other reasons, make sure to have regular checkups with your primary physician to monitor your health, especially as you age. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep active!
