Men, when was the last time you went to the doctor for a check up?  Men’s Health Month is a time for awareness of preventable health problems and early detection for men and boys.  Sure, physical activity and good nutrition habits are key components for a healthy lifestyle, but other factors are also important.  

Here are a few tips to make healthy choices this month:

• Start a men’s exercise group.  Whether it’s basketball, tag football, or power walking, there is strength in numbers.  Call a buddy and get moving!
• Make this month the month to receive your annual check up (and stick with it every year).
• Use this month to learn about hereditary health issues.  Do chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease run in your family?
• If you are over 55 years old, get screened for prostate cancer.
• Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
• Your mental health is just as important as physical.  Reduce stress where possible.  Recognize the signs of anxiety and depression and seek help.

According to the 2018 South Carolina Health Assessment:

• The prevalence of male South Carolina smokers (23.4%) was higher compared to women smokers (17.9%).
• In 2016, 73.5 per 100,000 males were living with hepatitis C compared to 44.2 per 100,000 females.
• The suicide rate in South Carolina during 2016 was higher in males (24.6 per 100,000) than females (7.6 per 100,000), a more than three-fold difference (Figure 8.12)
• The death rate resulting from falls for persons 65 years and older in South Carolina during 2016 was higher in males (55.8 per 100,000) than women (42.3 per 100,000).
• Deaths from drug overdoses were higher in males (22.9 deaths per 100,000) compared to women (13.3 deaths per 100,000).
• Deaths related to opioids  were almost twice as high in males (16.6 per 100,000) than in women (9.3 per 100,000).

 
Always remember that if something doesn’t feel right, go to the doctor.  Many illnesses can be treated if given immediate attention.  Make your health a priority this month.