June is Men's Health Month (2007)


1) What is Men's Health Month?
2) The Purpose of Men's Health Week
3) Hope for Men Managing Stress

Archived Articles: National Men's Health Week
- Goal of Men's Health Week
- Issues Facing Modern America's Men and Boys
- Depressed Boys More Likely to Smoke as Adults
- Male Body Issue

1) What is Men's Health Month?

ARTICLE SUMMARY: June is Men's Health Month

By Marilyn Leggett, RN, June 6, 2007 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE - June is Men's Health Month with National Men's Health Week observed June 11 - 17.
Where their health is concerned, as a group men tend not to take care of themselves. Men tend not to talk about their health needs or concerns and are often taught that they must be powerful, in control, and strong. Consequently, men are experiencing a kind of health crisis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death including heart disease, cancer, injuries, stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and suicide. In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Now, men, on average, die almost six years earlier than women. Women are also 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men.

Depression in men is often undiagnosed contributing to the fact that men are four times as likely to commit suicide. Among 20 to 24-year-olds, males are 7 times as likely to commit suicide as females. The suicide rate for persons age 65 and above is 38.4 for men and 6.0 for women.

It is believed that testosterone is linked to elevations of bad cholesterol and decreases in good cholesterol. Research suggests that men have fewer infection-fighting T-cells and are thought to have weaker immune systems than women. And by age 100, women outnumber men 8:1.

It is also important to identify why men are at risk and some reasons include: A higher percentage of men have no healthcare coverage and men make only half as many physician visits for prevention as women do. Many men (and some women) do not know what their normal blood pressure is or what their cholesterol or glucose levels are. Men are employed in the most dangerous occupations, such as mining, fire fighting, construction, and (commercial) fishing. Society seems to discourage healthy behaviors in men and boys, research on male-specific diseases is under funded, and men may have less healthy lifestyles including risk-taking at younger ages.

Meeting the challenge of better health may mean a longer life and a longer life of improved quality. So what's a guy to do? The answer is what men frequently are asked to do anyway: Take control. Men may lower their risk by incorporating the following tips: See your doctor, soon, for routine tests including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose testing. As part of that visit, ask your doctor what routine health screenings you should have and how to perform self-exams for testicular and skin cancers if you don't already know how.

Don't smoke; if you do, plan to stop as soon as possible. Smoking can cut your life span by as much as 13 years. Get active: Do some kind of exercise or activity such as yard work or walking the dog (vigorously) for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Finally, give in to your spouses' nagging and eat right: Eat a balance of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low or no-fat dairy products. Drink alcohol moderately; that means no more than 2 drinks per day for men. Balance work and play and get adequate amounts of sleep. And, as importantly, get emotional help if you need it. Societally, men are expected to be strong, in control, and powerful pillars of strength. Remember, you can't be that to others if you don't take care of you.

Additional information is available at www.menshealthnetwork.org and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov.
FROM: http://community.emeraldcoast.com/news/health_16045___article.html/men_control.html

2) The Purpose of Men's Health Week

Men's Health Week is celebrated each year as the week leading up to and including Father's Day. Its purpose is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

ARTICLE SUMMARY FROM: Menshealthweek.org

Men's Health Week is celebrated each year as the week leading up to and including Father's Day

The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

For June, MHN has created a web site to provide information about health issues which may cause erectile dysfunction. This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.

Men's Health Is A Family Issue

To quote Congressman Bill Richardson (Congressional Record, H3905-H3906, May 24, 1994):

"Recognizing and preventing men's health problems is not just a man's issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men's health is truly a family issue."
FROM: http://www.menshealthweek.org/

Help is only a mouse click away for convenient, safe, and confidential therapy for men impacted by health and wellness issues.

Tools to help improve sleep, and to help decrease anxiety and stress are only a mouse click away!

3) Hope for Men Managing Stress

By Liza N. Eversole, An MTN Wellness & Business Solutions Consultant, June 10, 2007

Stress among men is different than with women. Stress-related illnesses, such as heart disease, mental ill health, immune system diseases are higher in men. Women often have equally high of stress as men but their rates of illness are lower because they have better coping strategies.

Eliminating stress is impossible; however, doing nothing to counteract stress may lead to men experiencing harmful physical, emotional and relational consequences. Men are making themselves ill by not facing up to problems influencing stress.

But there is hope. Men suffering from stress may be helped by talking about their feelings or seeking help. Because most men are less likely than women to talk to a friend about problems, it's important for men to know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is okay to discuss problems or concerns with a trusted friend and if that isn't enough, go to a mental health professional.

MyTherapyNet therapists are only a mouse click away to help you or the men you know manage stress and avoid burnout.

Other suggestions include:
- Keep active and have regular exercise.
- Eat properly. Have a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. They only mask stress but do not solve the problem.
- Be open to resolving conflicts.
- Don't put extra demands on yourself to perform better and more.
- Share your responsibilities, prioritize your work schedule, and organize your time better.
- Use relaxation techniques

Managing stress is the foundation for a wellness: A well-balanced and healthy life. So, in addition to receiving quality therapy at MyTherapyNet, please visit www.MindBodySeries.com for information, tools and products to help you relax and manage stress.

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What is stress?

Stress is a word used to describe the feelings of "distress" experienced when tensions become unbearably high.

What causes it?

Many things or "life events" can lead to stress. Common causes include:
- Pressure to perform at work or being unemployed
- Family conflicts and relationship breakups
- Financial worries
- Health conditions
- Excessive substance intake including caffeine, alcohol, tobacco
- Non-ideal living environment such as cramped flat, traffic jams, close to sources of pollution

What are the common symptoms?

Stress can lead to both physical and mental symptoms. The most noticeable physical symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Stomach ache and indigestion
- Neck, shoulder or back pain
- Sleeping difficulties such as insomnia
- Sexual problems
- Loss of appetite

Stress affects the mind with mental symptoms include:
- Poor concentration
- Short-term memory loss
- Feeling of frustration
- Irritability or anger
- Apathy or depression

What are the complications?

Stress is a fact of everyday life and a certain level of stress is beneficial in preparing us for a challenge. However, extreme and prolonged stress will lower the immunity and increase the susceptibility to a wide range of diseases including gastric ulcer and heart disease.
FROM: http://www.hkmenshealth.com/eng/mind/stress.asp

MyTherapyNet therapists are only a mouse click away to help you manage stress and avoid burnout.

Tools to help improve sleep, and to help decrease anxiety and stress are only a mouse click away!

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Urge Men Urged to Identify Mental Health Conditions

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Men Urged to Identify Mental Health Conditions
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, June 4, 2007

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - June 4, 2007) - It may not be manly to ask for directions, but it takes strength and courage to recognize when you need emotional support. In observance of National Men's Health Week, June 11-17, 2007, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) reminds men to maintain their health, productivity and quality of life by identifying the early signs of mental health conditions and understanding what treatment options are available.

The most common mental health conditions amongst males are depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. Studies indicate men are less likely to seek therapy than women and often do not recognize, acknowledge or seek treatment for their illnesses. It is critical for men to detect the early signs that may eventually lead to poor physical, mental and/or sexual health. Early warning signs include:
-- Excessive anger, irritation or violent behavior
-- Sleep deprivation
-- Inability to cope with daily activities
-- Abuse of drugs or alcohol
-- Loss of energy and fatigue
-- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
-- Overwhelming feeling of sadness and grief
-- Decreased sexual interest or activity

At an early age, males are often reminded by friends or family members that revealing emotions or showing empathy is a sign of weakness. Men tend to avoid therapy because they often do not know how to express their worries or thoughts. A Marriage and Family Therapist can help with communication and assist with a variety of mental health conditions such as:
-- Developing techniques to manage and decrease mental health symptoms
-- Strengthening the ability to heal and recover
-- Modifying behavioral patterns that promote the use of a substance
-- Offering healthy problem-solving exercises
-- Exploring healthy alternatives to deal with life's everyday challenges
-- Promoting open discussion of an addiction

Therapy is a cost-effective alternative treatment which offers short- and long-term interventions. Group therapy may be especially appealing to men because it is a safe environment. An interactive group session encourages interaction between group members and provides an opportunity for men to learn to better interact with others. A mental health professional such as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is trained to assess, diagnose and treat individuals with conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression or an addiction.
FROM: http://new.marketwire.com/2.0/rel.jsp?id=738638

Help is only a mouse click away for convenient, safe, and confidential help for men impacted by depression.

Tools to help relax, improve sleep, and to help decrease stress are only a mouse click away!