It's National Men's Health Week: Here's What You Should Know

Life expectancy for American men lags significantly behind that of women, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

The week leading up to and including Father’s Day offers an ideal opportunity to highlight an important related issue: raising awareness about preventable health problems for men.

Along with raising awareness comes the task of encouraging men of all ages to learn more about the vital role of routine medical advice and early detection in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Take time during Men’s Health Week -- June 15th - 21st -- to learn more about how you can help the fathers, husbands and friends in your life enjoy improved health and wellness.

The 411 on Screenings

Screenings -- tests which check for diseases before symptoms arise --are invaluable preventative healthcare measures. Regular screenings, which are typically done by your aging loved one’s primary care physician during his annual checkup, include blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and other routine checks.

However, some screenings rely on risk factors, such as age. These include abdominal aortic aneurysm, certain types of cancer, depression, diabetes, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), HIV, and vision and hearing. Check with your aging loved one’s doctor to make sure he is up to date on all relevant screenings.

Preventative Medicines  

Older men are at increased risk for everything from heart attacks, to injuries from falls, to flu complications. Some simple medical interventions can help older seniors ward off these threats and stay healthy.

Ask your aging loved one’s physician about whether he should be taking a daily dose of aspirin. In low doses, aspirin therapy can help prevent heart attacks.

Men over the age of 65 have higher risks for falling and/or may suffer from increasing mobility problems. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is common among older Americans, and can lead to bone pain and muscle weakness, along with a number of other health complications. Talk with your aging loved one’s doctor about whether a vitamin D supplement is right for him. Physical therapy can also help seniors regain strength, balance, and overall mobility.

The flu, shingles and pneumonia vaccines are also critical for safeguarding senior health. Make sure your aging loved one is up to date on all recommended vaccines.

Lifestyle Matters

In addition to clinical interventions, there are some simple ways to help seniors live better. These include regular physical activity, making healthy food choices, maintaining a healthy weight, getting sufficient sleep, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Men’s Health Month offers the chance for caregivers to encourage the adoption of healthier habits.

If you are a caregiver trying to encourage the adoption of healthier habits for your loved one and have found the process quite frustrating, enlist some help! Your aging loved one’s healthcare team (physicians, therapists, nurses, family members) can offer essential partnership in identifying areas for improvement and suggesting attainable, realistic goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Men’s Health Week raises awareness about the importance of routine medical care, early detection and prompt treatment of disease.

• This week-long observance gives older men -- and the people who care for them -- the opportunity to take simple steps toward enhanced health and wellness.

• While Men's Health Week may be focused on men, it can lead to particularly effective outcomes when prioritized by families and communities.