June is National Men’s Health Month, an initiative started by the Men’s Health Network in 1992. The goal of Men’s Health Month is to push the conversation about preventable health problems, encourage early detection of disease through screening, bring awareness to the treatment of disease for men of all ages, and educate men on how to improve their health through lifestyle changes.

Across the country, men’s health advocates are hosting health fairs, talks, and outreach activities to provide men and boys with the resources and educational tools they need. At Profound Medical, we observe Men’s Health Month by bringing awareness to prostate health, including prostate cancer symptoms, the TULSA Procedure, prostate cancer treatments, non-cancerous prostate conditions, and the latest developments regarding prostate health.

Health issues that are prevalent in men

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men behind lung cancer. Certain risk factors, such as family history, age, and race (African-American men are at a higher risk of the disease) play a role in developing prostate cancer. As the prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, this disease and other prostate-related conditions are unique to men.

Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain health problems are more prevalent in males, including:

• Heart disease – Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men.
• Cancer – Some of the most common types of cancer in men are lung, prostate, colorectal, and skin.
• Diabetes – Men have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women.

How to observe Men’s Health Month

There are many ways to participate in Men’s Health Month, whether it’s to help spread the word or take part in educational campaigns. Here are a few different ways that you can observe this month or encourage the men in your life to join the initiative.

1. See your doctor for a regular check-up – On average, men die almost five years earlier than women – in part because men are more reluctant to go to the doctors. Regular checkups give your doctor the opportunity to detect early signs of disease and screen for problems before they become serious.

2. Wear blue – Help spread the knowledge of Men’s Health Month by wearing blue. ‘Wear Blue Day’ is a day to raise awareness and funds for men to get regular check-ups and educate the public on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and other health issues that affect men.

3. Spread the word on social media – Social media is a great tool to broadcast Men’s Health Month. Help spread the word by using the hashtags #MensHealthMonth and #ShowUsYourBlue

4. Play an active role in your health – Prevention is key when it comes to your health. Along with regular doctor visits, be sure to:

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of veggies, protein, and fruits
• Limit the consumption of processed foods and red meat
• Drink water and stay hydrated
• Manage your weight
• Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day
• Avoid tobacco use
• Apply sunscreen
• Reduce stress

This is a great time to commit to better health habits, not just for the month of June but for life.

To learn more about your prostate health, visit our blog and stay connected with us through social media