We all know adopting preventive measures will increase their odds of living a long, healthy life, right? It's common sense. Well, according to American Academy of Family Physicians men are much less likely than women to visit their doctor unless it’s absolutely necessary... and I believe it! Getting my husband to the doctor is like pulling teeth. Why is that? Are they scared? Are they too busy? Whatever the reason as a wife, a mother, and a daughter it's frustrating and scary.
Not to scare all of the men reading this but on average, men die almost six years younger than women and suffer higher mortality rates for the top causes of death. The Men's Health Network reports that men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death - heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accidents, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, kidney disease, and chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
According to the Center for Controlled Diseases (CDC), men also die younger than women. In 1920, women outlived men only by one year. Today, CDC figures show on average, women survive men by more than five years.
The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of men’s health issues and encourage early detection and treatment of disease. It's Sodexo's goal to empower employees to take personal responsibility for their health.
Sodexo cares about their employees and their families and the benefits and services available to support our health and well-being reflects this. Many of the medical plans offered by Sodexo provide 100% coverage for preventive care tests and treatment, wellness education/resources, and fitness discounts. And LifeWorks provides extensive health related resources; exercise equipment, weight management, and fitness membership discounts, wellness library, discussions, newsletters, videos, and iCan Health Coaching – a free, personalized service designed to help employees achieve their health goals by managing weight, quitting smoking, and improving the ability to manage stress.
Personally, I am thinking about tricking my husband to go see his doctor. I haven't figured out how I am going to trick him just yet though. If anyone has suggestions I will happily take them!
June is also Gay & Lesbian Federal Heritage Month and Sodexo Careers will welcome guest blogger, Joe Hoffman, Chair of Sodexo's network group, People Respecting Individuality, Diversity and Equality.
3 comments:
Good luck tricking him Kerry. We are a lot like the dog. We know when you put us in the car, we're either going to the vet or the groomer! To feed the stereotype further, I am also genetically unable to stop and ask for directions!
There is no need to trick your husband. All you have to do is tell him that you genuinely care about him. Tell him that it is important that he be around for a long time. Your husband will have no choice but take care of himself for you and your family. You just have to make taking care of himself part of his job taking care of you
Great to see increasing visibility for men's health issues. I'm thinking the next step is to move the focus to a specific health concern, such as the Breast Cancer awareness movement. Maybe Prostate Cancer Awareness month for the fellas?
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