5 things you need to know about men's health
While June may officially be Men’s Health Month, it’s important to take men’s preventive care measures — like annual wellness visits, men’s health screenings, mental health support and healthy lifestyle choices — year-round.
Here are five things you need to know about men’s health.
1.
There are reasons men may delay preventive care
Many men delay or skip preventive care, even if they know regular check-ups are important for staying healthy. Some may worry about what they’ll learn about their health, while others feel they don’t have time. Others may even believe that they don’t need care unless they’re sick.
Despite these barriers, regular preventive care and men’s health screenings play an important role in identifying health issues early. Building a relationship with a primary care provider (PCP) they trust can make getting preventive care easier and less stressful.
Search for an in-network primary care provider near you
A PCP will help you get caught up on the preventive care you need to be healthy. Log in to use the myWellmark® provider finder to find in-network PCPs.
2.
Society may be part of the problem
Social expectations and stigma may play a role. Research shows men are less likely to seek help for physical or mental health concerns, which can make it hard to prioritize preventive care.
Workplace culture may also influence men's health behaviors. Some may feel it's not acceptable to leave during the workday for an appointment, reinforcing the idea that prioritizing health is secondary to professional responsibilities.
3.
Many men struggle with the stigma around mental health
Many men struggle with mental health stigma. Mental health for some men can be complicated. Men are often less likely to talk about their emotions, but 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression. And sadly, less than half receive treatment.
The signs and symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions in men are often hard to recognize. And, just like men tend to avoid the doctor for their physical health, they’re less likely to take seriously the need for mental health support and seek out formal care.
4.
Men are more vulnerable to certain chronic illnesses and health issues
Thanks to a mix of factors related to men’s biology and behavior, men are more impacted by certain chronic illnesses and typically start experiencing cardivascular health issues at a younger age. Men are more likely to experience serious health issues like:
- Gout
- Kidney stones or bladder cancer
- Aortic aneurysms
- Inguinal hernias
- Alcohol use disorder
Regular preventive care for men helps prevent, identify or treat conditions like cancer or heart disease before they become more serious.
5.
Lifestyle choices play a role
Lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, alcohol or drug use and sleep hygiene can also impact men’s health, especially as they age. Unhealthy lifestyle choices not only increase the risk of developing a chronic disease but could also potentially mask the symptoms of a serious illness.
Men of all ages should eat a balanced diet of nutrient-dense foods like fruit, lean meats like chicken or fish, fiber-rich whole grains and vegetables. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
Prioritizing sleep and reducing alcohol consumption can also help men stay healthy as they age and reduce their risk for health issues.
Other forms of preventive care for men
There are things men can do to protect their health:
- Stay on top of annual wellness visits. Even men who look physically healthy and fit could have silently developing conditions like prostate cancer, diabetes or heart disease. The best way to detect these diseases early is regular men’s preventive care. Scheduling appointments when the kids are getting their back-to-school physicals is one way to make sure they remember to go. Finding a PCP who has weekend or evening availability or is conveniently located can also make it easier to get regular preventive care. And remember there’s more to preventive care for men than just getting their weight and blood pressure taken — check out the screening tests for men quiz to see recommended tests by age and health history.
- Keep an eye on heart numbers. The information they get from their annual wellness visit can be helpful insights into their health over time. Tracking trends in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index can help them stay ahead of potential issues. If they see any numbers moving outside the healthy range, their PCP can help make a plan to improve them.
- Know the warning signs. It’s helpful to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common health issues for men — like chest pain and difficulty breathing for heart problems — so you or someone you love can take quick action if needed.
- Don’t forget about self-checks. Self-exams are one of the best ways to uncover early warning signs of potential issues from heart disease and diabetes to several types of cancers. For example, it's advised to perform a testicular self-exam at least monthly.
- Practice sun safety. Approximately 20 percent of Americans who live to age 70 will have at least one skin cancer diagnosis — and light-skinned men are especially at risk. Men can reduce this risk by avoiding the sun during its strongest hours (from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every few hours if outdoors for long periods and protecting their eyes and head with a hat and UV-rated sunglasses.
Get the most from your preventive care benefits
Your preventive care benefits can help you create healthy habits and turn your health around. It starts with registering for myWellmark. Once you get your account set up, you’ll have access to tools and information to help you use your benefits — like an online coverage summary, a digital ID card, full claims information, a cost estimator for appointments and health services and much more.
To see a list of preventive services your plan covers, log in to myWellmark and review your coverage list.