Men's Health Awareness in June - Nu Image Medical® Online

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 4 years ago · 8 min read

The month of June celebrates Menâs Health, putting a spotlight on the need for men to be more proactive in keeping healthy bodies and minds. According to statistics, men have higher death rates in nine of the ten causes of death categories, averaging a lifespan that is five years shorter than women. Poor health impacts a manâs ability to be a good father, husband, community member, employee, and supportive friend. In addition to the physical health needs that men tend to experience, there are also serious concerns with mental health. Though females report more suicidal thinking, males are more likely to take their own life prematurely and die by suicide. Menâs Health Month brings attention to these concerns and encourages everyone to be more supportive of male health.

The Physical Challenges

There are certain physical conditions that are more prevalent in men, partially due to their genetic makeup and partially due to a lack of access to healthcare. Men's sexual health issues, like ED, plague men as they start to age, but so often this condition goes untreated. This isnât for a lack of medication or resources since products like Mt. Everest can help men overcome weak erections. The condition isnât addressed because men are more likely to avoid going to a physician to receive preventative or needed medical care for their symptoms or illnesses. The reasons for the lack of access to medical care are more closely tied to a lack of initiative rather than a lack of opportunity. Men feel they donât have the time, the money, or the courage to face whatever might be going on inside. For these reasons, many men wonât have yearly screenings done for various conditions, leaving them until the situation has become more serious. Menâs Health Month tries to emphasize the need for preventative care measures and establish a new culture in American households that places significant importance on the health of men and boys.

The Mental Challenges

Almost 50,000 people a year in the United States die by suicide. It is the tenth leading cause of death across the nation, but it is the seventh leading cause of death in American men. The suicide rate for men is three and a half times higher than it is for women, with middle-aged white men accounting for roughly 70% of all suicides. Men who are older than the age of 65 are in the greatest risk category for suicide, and though women attempt suicide more often, men choose more lethal means of death. There are multiple factors that increase the risk for an individual, and these risk factors apply to both men and women.

• Living alone or experiencing social isolation
• Substance abuse to cope with work pressure, relationships, emotional battles, or other stressful issues
• Relationship breakdowns or divorce
• Lack of ability to have sustained, meaningful relationships
• Experiencing being bullied at school or work
• A history involving sexual or physical abuse
• Imprisonment or a criminal record
• Being fired or unemployed
• Loss of a loved from illness, trauma, or violent death
• Mental illness
• Battling chronic pain or debilitating illness

Understanding Male Suicide

While these risk factors can be experienced by both men and women, men are still at a greater risk of suicide. There are several theories about why this may be true. Some of the struggles lie with the expectation that males refrain from displaying or expressing emotions. Men feel that they are supposed to be tough and independent, even in areas of emotions and mental clarity. This macho persona may make it difficult for men to reach and ask for support or talk about things that are bothering them. Since men tend to harbor their feelings inside, a diagnosis of depression is often missed. They may talk about issues that are stressful, but donât mention specific words like sadness or feeling hopeless. Depression that is left untreated by a doctor may lead to self-treatment through alcohol or another substance. There is also an increased likelihood that men have the mental and physical strength to follow through with their desire to end their life, resulting in more lethal suicide attempts than what occurs in females.

Reducing the Risk of Male Suicide

It takes everyone in the family, workplace, and community to help reduce the number of male deaths by suicide. Even though someone you know may not be reaching out for help, there are signs that you can spot to clue you in to something being wrong. In men, symptoms of depression could include anxiety, loss of interest in sex or pleasurable activities, physical aches and pains, social withdrawal, missing work, or substance abuse. A man may not want to talk about what is bothering him, but just letting him know that you are available to listen and help as needed can be an open door to reach out.

 

During the month of June, take the time to focus on your health and that of the men around you. Donât forget to pay attention to signs of mental wellness, in addition to physical needs.

 

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.