MSDH highlights Men’s Health Month, urges men to prioritize wellness

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is joining health agencies across the nation to spotlight Men’s Health Month throughout June, encouraging men to take charge of their physical and mental well-being.

Men’s Health Month was established by Congress in 1994 to raise awareness of preventable health issues and promote early detection and treatment of disease. The push is especially critical as men, on average, live five years less than women and visit the doctor half as often, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Men need to use this month as a check-in point for their health,” said Dr. Richard Calderone, Director of the Office of Mississippi Physician Workforce at MSDH. “Schedule a checkup, get outdoors, eat well, and be active. Good health choices today build a longer, healthier life for you and the people who rely on you.”

Major health concerns facing men include heart disease, various cancers (including prostate, skin, and colorectal), HIV, and mental health challenges. Screenings can catch illnesses early, often before symptoms arise. Men are also encouraged to monitor signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual thirst, and urinary problems.

Mental health is another critical issue. In 2023, nearly one in five men experienced mental illness and more than one in five dealt with substance abuse, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Suicide rates remain alarmingly high, with men four times more likely to die by suicide than women.

A recent CDC report highlights additional concerns:

• Over 50% of men have high blood pressure
• Nearly 15% are in fair or poor health
• 30% reported binge drinking in the past year
• Only 28% meet recommended physical activity guidelines
• 39% of men over 20 are at a higher weight
• 12% smoke cigarettes and 8% use e-cigarettes

Health officials emphasize the basics of healthy living: stop smoking, limit alcohol, move your body daily, and get regular checkups. Balanced diets with plenty of fruits and vegetables also play a key role in long-term health.

To learn more about how to support the health of the men in your life, visit https://msdh.ms.gov/men.