National Men’s Health Month Reminder of the Benefits of Exercise for Residents of Carillon Assisted Living
June is National Men’s Health Month, an annual observance that experts credit with increasing the awareness of wellness activities and health screenings among males of all ages. The purpose of this emphasis is to call attention to preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease.
Based on the cornerstones of awareness, prevention, education and family, the centerpiece of the month is Men’s Health Week, which this year starts on June 15 and ends on Father’s Day, June 21.
Adopted in 1994 through a Senate resolution proposed by Nebraska Senator Bob Dole, Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the nation with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education activities. It includes a congressional health education program that includes a “Congressional Workout” and a worldwide social media campaign. Mayor and governors across the nation also issue official proclamations recognizing the occasion.
At Carillon Assisted Living, this emphasis will remind male residents of the benefits of even minimal exercise, such as daily walks, says Jennifer Moore, Regional Director of Operations.
“Part of our emphasis on healthy living includes advocating that our residents get some kind of daily physical activity,” Moore says. “National Men’s Health Month helps place a spotlight on the awareness of healthy lifestyles. It also emphasizes the need for men to take an active role in their health through regular checkups and screening tests.”
During June, health care professionals, private corporations, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and other interested groups plan activities that focus on the health and well-being of boys, men and their families. Darryl Davidson, director of men’s health for the Northwest Health Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, says it is important to place this kind of focus on male health.
“Compared to similarly-aged women, men are less likely to have a regular doctor and health insurance and are more likely to put off routine checkups or delay seeing a health provider after experiencing symptoms,” Davidson says. “This month is a reminder to talk to health professionals and to learn about important screenings that assist with finding conditions before they get worse.”
Health experts emphasize the need for men over 50 to get an annual physical examination, as well as annual blood pressure checks, blood tests and urinalysis, a rectal exam, PSA blood test for prostate health, and electrocardiogram screening for heart abnormalities.
Senior-aged males should also have a colorectal exam every three to four years, a TB skin test every five years, and a tetanus booster shot every 10 years, as well as discussing such topics as bone health, chest X-ray and testosterone levels with a physician.
As men age they also need to reduce caloric intake as a method of controlling their weight, Moore says, which is why the healthy eating options on all Carillon menus are another key benefit for residents.
Men’s Health Month is sponsored by the Men’s Health Network, an international non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys and their families with health awareness messages, screening programs, educational materials and advocacy opportunities.
Posted in Sage Stories on June 1, 2017