Men’s Health Month
June is Men’s Health Month. We, at Healogics, are bringing awareness to the various health conditions that men suffer from, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or prostate cancer. With early detection and appropriate treatments, these conditions can be managed or even prevented.
Did you know?
On average, men are dying five years younger than women.[1] According to the CDC, women are 100 percent more likely to visit their healthcare provider for an annual exam or preventative service.[2] Annual exams or preventative services are key to detecting health conditions early and missing these appointments contribute to early deaths in men.
Additionally, men are more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than women.[3] The reason being that men tend to store more fat in their bellies, which is a well-known risk-factor. Men are also more prone to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death.[4]
How these conditions can lead to wounds or affect wound healing
Diabetes is one of the leading cause of chronic wounds on the feet. This is due to nerve damage, a common side effect of diabetes, which can lead to numbness in the feet. Once that occurs, wounds develop more easily and are not as quickly discovered. For more information regarding the impact diabetes may have on wounds, please visit the Diabetes section of our website
Cardiovascular disease may also affect wound healing by causing obstructions that hinder the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the wound, that aid in the healing process. To find more information regarding heart and cardiovascular issues relating to wound care please visit our Heart Disease page.
How to prevent or manage these conditions
This month, Healogics wants to encourage men and boys to do the following:
- Get a physical exam done by a healthcare professional. Early detection is the best way to prevent many health conditions.
- Keep up with physical activity. This does not have to be rigorous. Physical activity can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Know your limits and speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns you have regarding exercise.
- Eat healthy. Eat many different types of foods, especially fruits, vegetables and lean meats, to ensure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. The more color on your plate the better!
To show your support for the men and boys in your life, we encourage you to get active in your community by spreading awareness through social media or word of mouth. We also recommend that you participate in Wear Blue Day on Friday, June 19!
For more information on men’s health, visit menshealthnetwork.org.
[1] Men’s Health Facts. Men’s Health Network. https://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/menshealthfacts.pdf
[2] New Study Profiles Women’s Use of Health Care. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/01news/newstudy.htm
[3] Men & Diabetes. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-and-men.html
[4] Heart Disease and Men. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/dotw/heart-disease-men/index.html
