Men’s Health Month, known as “Movember,” highlights crucial health issues men often neglect. From mental health to cancer screenings, understanding these key topics is vital for encouraging better health and longer lives for men.
Men's Health Month, or "Movember," is a global initiative to increase awareness of important health issues that men frequently ignore. According to Movember US, over 12% of men over the age of 18 report being in fair or poor health, and men are 24% less likely than women to visit a doctor each year. These statistics demonstrate that males live an average of five years less than women.
Men tend not to talk about their mental health, which makes them reluctant to get help when they're sick. For suicide prevention and support to be effective, these stigmas must be addressed.
Heart disease is the top cause of death for males in the United States. The American Heart Association suggests controlling weight, managing stress, and being aware of snoring asway of prevention.
For average-risk males, prostate cancer screening should begin at age 50; for high-risk men, such as those with a family history or specific genetic predispositions such the BRCA mutation, screening should begin at age 40. Houston Metro Urology's Dr. Hanna Pham stresses the need of tracking PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels because unexpected spikes may indicate malignancy.
Given that the average age at which testicular cancer is diagnosed is approximately 33, younger men should be more aware of the disease and do routine self-examinations.
Men are urged to manage their health proactively, beginning with regular physical examinations and candid conversations about their mental and physical health.
