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Time for Men to Make Health a Priority

Date: 06/13/19

Research shows that men are less likely than women to visit the doctor and proactively take care of their health. In fact, only 40 percent of men get an annual check-up, only 12 percent turn to a doctor first when they have a health issue and only two-in-five go to the doctor when they fear they have a serious medical condition, according to a recent Cleveland Clinic study.1

Men live an average of 76 years, five years less than the average woman, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).2 They are also more likely than women to die from major health conditions, including heart disease3 and cancer4 — also the top two causes of death for men. In celebration of Father’s Day, June 16, and National Men’s Health Month in June, Buckeye Health Plan is spotlighting the need for men to make their health a priority by raising awareness of the health gender gap and the need for greater prevention.

Anchored by a Congressional health education program, Men’s Health Month raises awareness of preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. There are many steps men can take to living a healthier, more balanced life, including:

  • Schedule wellness exams and preventative screenings to help prevent disease and detect it early. Talk with your healthcare provider to learn which screenings and exams are right for you. 
  • Seek medical care when you’re experiencing symptoms: Make your health a priority and talk with a healthcare professional. Seeking care early can lead to more positive outcomes. 
  • Exercise: The CDC recommends at least two hours and 30 minutes of aerobic physical activity each week and strength training two days each week. If you have trouble fitting it in, break it down to 10 minutes of exercise at a time. 
  • Eat a healthy and balanced diet: Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat free and other low-fat dairy products and lean meats.
  • Make mental health a priority: Find healthy ways to cope with stress. According to the CDC, research shows that positive mental health is associated with improved physical health. 
  • Get enough sleep: Get at least seven hours of sleep a night to feel and perform at your best. 

“We recognize that more women are seeking out preventative care than men and we want to change that. At Buckeye, we advise all adults to have an annual wellness exam and recommended cancer screenings,” says Dr. Ron Charles, Buckeye Health Plan Vice President of Medical Affairs. “Establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor and having regular check-ups can help prevent disease and detect it early, potentially leading to better health outcomes. We encourage all men to make preventative care a priority now so they can live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

Sources: 

  1. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic Survey Confirms Men Rarely Talk About Health with Eachother. August 2016. Retrieved from: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2016/08/15/cleveland-clinic-survey-confirms-men-rarely-talk-health/
  2. Columbus Dispatch. Taught to be Tough: Male Culture Presents Challenges for Men’s Health. June 2, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.dispatch.com/news/20190602/taught-to-be-tough-male-culture-presents-challenges-for-mens-health
  3. Harvard Health Publishing. The Heart Attack Gender Gap. April 2016. Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-heart-attack-gender-gap
  4. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Statistics. Retrieved May 30, 2019 from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics