Georgia health connection e-newsletter, 2009 June

June Newsletter
June is Men's Health Month
When it comes to health care, women and men couldn't be more different. While women are programmed to be proactive about their health, men tend to be more reactive, often waiting until it's too late. A few simple steps such as eating healthier, exercising, avoiding risky activities and getting regular checkups and screenings can go a long way towards preventing heart disease, many cancers and even severe injuries. During Men's Health Month, take a few minutes to remind the men in your life how much you care by encouraging them to be proactive about their health.
Listen to the June edition of the Georgia Wellcast to learn more about Men's Health Month. Click on the Wellcast icon to the right. Look for information each month pertaining to various health topics and visit georgiahealthinfo.gov to find what you need to become a Wise Health Consumer.
Celebrate Men's Health by Being Aware
Men's Health Month is sponsored by Men's Health Network (MHN), a non-profit organization focused on improving men's health and well-being through national screenings and educational campaigns. These programs are provided through partnerships with religious institutions, health care providers, fraternal organizations and workplace health programs. A fairly well known health fact is that women tend to live longer than men. Yes, women often joke about men's lack of attention to their health, as well as their unwillingness to ask for directions. But the situation with their health is not a joking matter. It was only in 1920 that women were expected to live, on average, one year longer than men according to MHN. By 1990, the gap in life expectancy had increased to nearly five years, with women still outliving men. What has happened since 1920 to increase the life expectancy gap? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since 1921 heart disease has been the leading cause of death, and since 1938 stroke has been the third leading cause. Statistics compiled by the CDC, show that men still out number women in death from heart disease, stroke, injury and many cancers. The CDC sites some of men's unique health challenges:
Men tend to smoke and drink more than women

Men do not seek medical help as often as women Men tend to join in fearless and risky behaviors more than women Men are significantly less likely than women to recognize the health benefits of fruits and
vegetables, and their role in reducing the risk of many cancers, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes
However, there is good news. Living a healthier lifestyle eating a balanced diet, avoiding risky behaviors and visiting a physician for regular checkups could go a long way towards prevention. When diagnosed early, the majority of health issues men face can be prevented and treated. Simply take that first step by becoming aware.
For additional information on men's health, please visit georgiahealthinfo.gov.