June is Men’s Health Month
Health District urges men to take control of their health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 15, 2023
LAS VEGAS — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women outlive men in the United States by nearly six years. Diseases including heart disease, cancer and diabetes affect men to a greater extent than women, but these conditions can, in many cases, be prevented through regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices. Throughout June, during Men’s Health Month, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) reminds men to take charge of their overall health by implementing health-centered decisions.
District Health Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen said Men’s Health Month is a time to encourage men to improve their well-being and live healthier lives. He said, “As a public health agency, we want to raise awareness of preventable health problems while encouraging early detection and treatment of disease.”
Men’s health starts with education. Studies show that men are more likely to have lower health literacy levels than women. The CDC defines health literacy as “the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services” to make informed decisions about their health. One survey showed that 49 percent of Hispanic/Latino men have difficulty understanding the process of getting medical care.
Early detection through cancer and other health screenings are essential for improving survival rates and maintaining good health. A 2022 survey revealed that 63 percent of men of color reported not getting regular health screenings. With services including annual physicals and sick visits for minor illnesses, SNHD operates the Southern Nevada Community Health Center at the following locations:
- 280 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107, open Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- 2830 E. Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89104, open Tuesday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
SNHD also urges men to check out the many prevention and self-management resources on the Get Healthy Clark County website. The site addresses many of the health issues affecting men, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, smoking cessation and nutrition.
Some studies have reflected concerns about men’s diets. A CDC report from 2022 said 10% of men indicated they met the daily recommended intake of fruit, compared to 14.5% of women. The gap was slightly larger in terms of vegetable intake: 12.4% of women said they met the recommendation, compared to 7.6% of men. Tips on improving one’s diet are available at the “Eat Better” section of the Get Healthy website, which provides a free 8-week online program to help people increase their fruit and vegetable intake.
Another concern for men is smoking. In Nevada and nationwide, more men than women smoke cigarettes and/or use electronic vapor products. Nationwide, tobacco use among men remains a serious problem: 13.1% of men currently smoke cigarettes and as a result, more than 250,000 men die every year from smoking. Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States. According to the CDC, smoking accounts for about 1 in 5 deaths every year. Get Healthy Clark County offers significant free resources on quitting the habit like the Nevada Tobacco Quitline.
Cardiovascular disease disproportionately impacts African Americans at alarming rates. Forty-four percent of Black men are diagnosed with some form of heart disease. To address the burden of cardiovascular disease, SNHD and community partners involved in the Health District’s Barbershop Health Outreach Project will host a “Shop Talk” on June 29 from 5-8 p.m. at 5-Star Barbershop, 2696 W. Ann Rd., North Las Vegas, NV 89031. “Shop Talk” is an evening of unfiltered dialogue to discuss men’s heart health and overall physical and mental health. The event will empower Black men to adopt a healthier lifestyle to achieve optimal health and wellness. The event is free and registration is required; go to Shop Talk: Self-Care is Healthcare Tickets, Thu, Jun 29, 2023 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite.
The CDC’s cheat sheet on men’s health cancer screenings is a valuable resource that offers crucial information regarding the optimal timing for colon and lung cancer testing. Additionally, it strongly advises engaging in a conversation with a primary care physician regarding screening options for prostate and skin cancer. By following these guidelines, individuals can proactively prioritize their health and well-being.
To manage risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, visit the Manage Your Risk section of the Get Healthy website for resources to access free blood pressure checks at participating barbershops.
For people with diabetes or prediabetes, SNHD offers free diabetes classes virtually or in-person. Visit GetHealthyClarkCounty.org for classes in English and VivaSaludable.org for classes in Spanish. Those who register will be added to a waiting list and will be invited to the next class when scheduled. A downloadable resource of low-cost clinics is also available on the Get Health Clark County website.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.