June is not only the month to appreciate men who are fathers; June is also Men’s Health Month. It is the perfect time to encourage men to take care of their physical and mental health, including addressing alcohol or substance use disorders or any other addictions that negatively affect a man’s quality of life. Promises Behavioral Health offers men’s addiction treatment programs to help males overcome addiction and enjoy life to the fullest. Call Promises Behavioral Health for more information at 844.875.5609.
The Importance of Men’s Health Awareness
On average, the male lifespan is five years shorter than that of females, and according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), around 13% of all adult men are in poor health. Men are also more likely to skip regular check-ups, use tobacco and alcohol, and engage in risky behaviors. That’s a dangerous combination.
Some other concerning statistics about men’s health from the CDC include:
- Men are more likely to develop a chronic illness than women
- Around 33% of men over age 20 have high blood pressure
- Men are injured in the workplace more frequently than women
- Nearly 40% of men over 20 are overweight
- Men are 3.5 times more likely to die from suicide than women
Heart disease, which is highly preventable, is still the number-one cause of male deaths in the U.S. Men’s Health Month is the time to increase awareness about men’s health, especially preventable health problems, and encourage men to take better care of themselves.
Tips to Encourage Men’s Health Awareness
Many of the health problems men face, including diabetes and heart disease, can be avoided if men are proactive about their health and do all they can to live a healthy lifestyle. Celebrate Men’s Health Month by following these tips:
- Learn about your family’s health history – Talk to family members and share important information with your doctor
- Eat a healthy diet filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Get or stay active – Set reasonable activity goals and consider joining a community sports league to make exercise fun
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible
- Manage your stress to protect your heart and prevent high blood pressure
If there’s a man in your life who needs to take better care of himself, even if that man is you, start by making a doctor’s appointment. There are many silent killers, such as hypertension, that affect male health. A complete health screening provides the best starting place for making changes to improve health.
The Importance of Men’s Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a mental health disorder, but it can also have a profound negative impact on physical health. Tobacco addiction can cause cancer, people addicted to methamphetamine can develop severe dental problems, and cocaine can damage the heart. The list of physical consequences related to drug or alcohol abuse is a long one and includes:
- Brain damage
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B and C
- Heart infections
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
- Lung disease
- Seizure
The most severe health risk caused by addiction is death. According to the CDC, men die from overdose twice as often as women and are more likely to need emergency medical services because of drug use. There is no better time than Men’s Health Month to seek treatment for substance use disorders.
Promises Behavioral Health Is Celebrating Men’s Health Awareness
The team at Promises Behavioral Health strives to improve awareness about men’s health issues every month. Health issues related to substance use disorder can be life-threatening and need qualified medical treatment.
Our comprehensive men’s addiction treatment services include care for both the mental and physical toll addiction can take. Call Promises Behavioral Health today at 844.875.5609 if you’re ready to take control of your physical and mental health.