SC New York News

PRESS RELEASE: June is Men’s Health Month

Men’s Health Month is observed each June to increase awareness of the health concerns that men commonly face. It’s important to encourage the men in our lives to take steps to improve their health and wellness across all domains – physical, emotional, and mental. The top three causes of death for men are heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19, respectively.

In the United States 51.9% of men aged 20 and older have high blood pressure and/or are taking medication to control high blood pressure. Additionally, 40.5% of men aged 20 and older are obese. In Tioga County, 29.8% of adults have high blood pressure and 27.5% of adults are obese. The importance of Men’s Health Month is documented in this data since obesity is a risk factor for all three of the top causes of death for men, and high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease.

It’s never too late to start adopting healthy habits, such as:

 Quitting smoking

 Reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption

 Getting regular exercise

 Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats

 Visiting your primary care provider regularly for check-ups, screenings, and other medical care

Men also face roadblocks when it comes to emotional and mental health. Society often teaches men that it is a weakness to discuss or show emotion. Taking care of mental and emotional health might look like:

 Staying connected to friends, family, and the communities you’re involved in

 Working on your self-talk and mindset

 Learning new coping skills

 Finding meaning in your life, like volunteering, or joining a faith-based community

 Speaking with your doctor or a therapist

Be sure to recognize when additional help should be sought from a professional. Discussing mental and emotional health is not a weakness, but rather the greatest form of strength. There are resources and people willing to help.

Tioga County Mental Hygiene: 607-687-4000

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline/Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255

Original source can be found here.