Why is Men’s Health Month important?
We probably all know a guy like this; the tough guy who is neglecting his physical and mental health and toughing it out, sometimes for years. Whether it is your dad, brother, uncle, or son, we all know that guy.
As part of their “MENtion It” campaign last year, Cleveland Clinic ran a study to get men to visit their doctors and discuss their health. Their survey asked men how they approach their medical treatment. A shocking 65 percent of respondents said they avoid going to the doctor as long as possible.
When it comes to prevention and early detection, men’s health often takes a back seat to women’s health. As we see statistically, men pay less attention to their health than women do. Men also are more likely to smoke, drink, take more risks, and generally lead a less healthy lifestyle. Men are still just as susceptible to the same things such as cancer, depression, stroke, diabetes, and heart diseases. In addition to these risks, men also have unique issues such as prostate cancer and benign prostate enlargement.
Early detection and preventative measures are key. Early detection generally increases the chances of successful treatment by focusing on detecting symptomatic patients as early as possible.
Let’s break this “tough guy” stereotype by participating in Men’s Health Month! Going to your provider does not mean that you are weak. It means that you are taking care of yourself. Early detection and preventative health measures can help you obtain your best health and enable you to enjoy spending more time with your loved ones.
P.S. Project Pneuma is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
