For the last several decades, American men have been struggling to manage their health for reasons that are entirely preventable. On average, men die five years earlier than women. These differences are even more pronounced when looking at mortality rates for Black men, which is three to four times that of White men nationwide.

As of August 2021, 65,000 more men died of COVID in the US than women, again with a significantly higher proportion of deaths among Black men compared to White men. Structural racism, unsafe work environments, and access to health care also are substantial contributors to the poorer health of men. Deaths from heart disease, cancers, and accidents are the main causes of early death in men, and largely all can be prevented or at least caught early and treated. 

Though many of these forces are ingrained in our society, there are powerful things that men can do for their health to avoid being one of these statistics.‍

Prevent and screen

Maintaining healthy habits and getting recommended vaccines (including COVID and flu shots) are the primary methods we have to prevent disease. For diseases we can’t always prevent, it’s important to get all recommended screenings, such as colon cancer, prostate cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, and aortic aneurysms. When these diseases are caught early in their course rather than late, men are much less likely to suffer or die from them. 

Not sure where to start with prevention and screening? Start by reaching out to your primary care provider for a check-in!‍

Man up about mental health 

One of the best proactive measures to maintain good mental health is to immerse yourself in your community (whether that be your coworkers, your friends, your family, or otherwise). Social isolation is a major contributor to poor health in men, starting as young as age 45. Social isolation increases a man’s risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, and suicide. Immigrants, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals are particularly at risk for the health effects of social isolation.‍

‍It’s Not Just Physical: Integrating Mental Health and Primary Care

Even with preventative measures, some people may still need some extra help. Feeling overly stressed, sad, worried, or overwhelmed doesn’t have to be anyone’s “normal,” even during a pandemic. Your mind is a very powerful driver of your health. Severe mental stress can even cause death or heart attacks in men with heart disease. Opening up to a loved one, friend, doctor, or another trusted person can go a long way to improve mental health, and no one should ever feel embarrassed to admit they need to seek professional help.

If you or someone you know needs to speak with someone immediately, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK).‍

Take care of your plumbing

Eating foods high in cholesterol and sugar cause thick, hard plaques to form in the body’s “pipes” (a.k.a. blood vessels). After years of unhealthy habits, these vessels can narrow, starve the organs of nutrients, and lead to strokes, heart attacks, and dementia. Check out this collection of quick and easy recipes that can kickstart your healthy eating habits.

Regular exercise also helps to flush out your system, keeping your blood vessels clear of debris. Aim for 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. If starting a new exercise program, talk with your doctor.

Lay off the toxins

Though smoking rates in the US have decreased in the last several decades, men still have much higher rates of smoking and smoking-related deaths than women. And no, e-cigarettes aren’t a good alternative. Let your lungs breathe air!

In addition to tobacco, it’s also important to take it easy on the alcohol! Binge drinking, which for men is drinking five or more alcoholic beverages in two hours or less, is exceedingly common in men ages 18-44. Binge drinking can lead to accidents, cancers, heart disease, and chronic liver disease. Enjoy responsibly.

If you need help managing your lower back pain, consult your care team today through the Firefly app. Not a member yet? Get started by signing up or giving us a call at (855) 869-9284.

Your Firefly care team is here to help

If you are interested in getting help with a men’s health issue (or maybe you’re not even sure where to start with improving your health), book a visit with your care team today. Not a member yet? Get started by signing up, take our quiz, or call us at (855) 869-9284 to see if our continuous, coordinated care model is right for you.