When it comes to their health, most men don’t worry about it until they feel sick and have to go to a doctor. That’s not an ideal way to approach something that affects the way you live and your life itself. It’s a good thing that National Men’s Health Week comes around yearly to remind all of us that focusing on practices that can improve men’s mental and physical health is important.
Men’s Health Week is celebrated each year on the week leading up to and including Father’s Day. In 2021, the seven-day event happens from June 14 to June 20. In fact, June is also recognized as Men’s Health Month. If you miss Men’s Health Week, you can still shine a spotlight on men’s health issues like men’s addiction and risk factors for developing other disorders after the 20th.
Are you or another man you care about in need of addiction treatment or looking for rehab programs? Contact Midwest Detox online or call us at 833.647.0392 for more information.
Facts About Men’s Health
Both sexes are living longer and are healthier compared to their ancestors from decades ago. However, research has shown that men die younger than women. More than half of all women above the age of 65 are widows.
Here are some facts and statistics that show why we should care about men’s health:
- Men do not get regular physical exams from doctors as often as women do.
- Men have a higher rate of workplace injuries and are more likely to engage in risky behavior.
- About 40% of men over the age of 20 are obese, and more than 30% have high blood pressure. Men also have more chronic illnesses than women.
- Compared to women, men are over three times more likely to die of suicide.
- Men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol.
- The leading causes of death in men include cancer and heart disease, both of which could be diagnosed early and managed easily by going to the doctor regularly.
How Can You Celebrate National Men’s Health Week?
There is no better way to celebrate National Men’s Health Week than by making sure that the men in your life are taking care of their health. Below are some habits you can try out and also encourage the men in your life to include in their daily routines:
- Schedule regular check-ups: Go to your doctor and get a health check-up done at least annually. The goal is to make sure everything is in working order and to catch any conditions or disorders early enough that you and your doctor can work out a plan for management or treatment.
- Get enough restful sleep: Making sure you get the right amount of restful sleep is crucial. Sleep is important to your body’s mental and physical healing process. Aim for more than eight hours in bed, and don’t be discouraged if you stay up late now and then.
- Have cleaner eating habits: Reducing red meat consumption, lessening your salt consumption, avoiding processed foods, and eating more veggies could be some of the most health-promoting changes you can make to your lifestyle.
- Exercise daily: A regular exercise routine can help maintain your weight, increase your energy levels, reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve your memory, and make you feel happier. It can also contribute to better bone, muscle, skin, and brain health.
- Reduce your stress: When you’re stressed, harmful chemicals are released in your body. Combat stress with exercise, meditation, and more social interactions.
It goes without saying that men can improve their health by dealing with any addictions they have. Smoking and having a tobacco or nicotine addiction can lead to cancer, cardiovascular problems, emphysema, stroke, and even death. Other substance use disorders can also lead to medical problems and the deterioration of important relationships with family and friends. Men’s addiction recovery can be life-changing. Quit so you can live longer with the people you love.
How Does Addiction Affect Men?
Many media outlets, health care providers, and public policymakers make it a point to celebrate National Men’s Health Week by talking about topics like regular check-ups and healthy daily habits. However, what’s often missed is a chance to put a spotlight on men’s addiction. Here are some reasons why addiction is an important subject when it comes to men’s health:
- Men are more likely to abuse substances because of peer pressure.
- More men than women misuse opioids, and more men overdose fatally as a result.
- About 20% of men in the U.S. have an alcohol use disorder.
- Men are much more likely to experience intense alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Like opioids and alcohol, more men than women abuse marijuana.
- Men are about three times as likely to smoke marijuana daily.
Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Programs for Men
Men and women have different struggles and need different things from addiction treatment programs. Single-sex facilities and programs can provide the unique help men need to deal with their addictions. Contact Midwest Detox online or call 833.647.0392 to learn about our rehab program for men.
