The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is joining with health professionals around the state in recognizing June as Men’s Health Month. The week leading up to Father’s Day, June 13 – 19, is celebrated as National Men’s Health Week. DOH’s theme for 2011 is “Men’s Health is a Family Affair.” Recognizing the month provides an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular checkups, medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
“As Father’s Day approaches, encourage the man in your life to live a healthy lifestyle with regular checkups,” said Division of Family Health Services Director at DOH, Annette Phelps, A.R.N.P., M.S.N. “In addition to seeking proper medical advice, men should eat balanced meals and exercise at least 30 minutes a day to keep fit.”
Despite health care advances and data showing longer life spans, men are still dying at least five years earlier than women. This difference in life span is even more pronounced for black men who have a shorter life expectancy at birth than white or black females and white males. In addition to a shorter lifespan, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men have higher mortality rates than women for nine of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S.
For Florida men, the 2009 Florida Vital Statistics Annual Report shows that from 2007 to 2009, they had a higher mortality rate for eight of the top 10 leading causes of death in the state. The heightened risk of morbidity, injury and premature deaths among men, referred to as a “Silent Health Crisis” by the Men’s Health Network, has a profound effect on society as a whole because when men neglect their health, it affects families, communities and businesses.
Getting screening tests is one of the most important things that men can do for their health and to help them live longer lives. Screening tests can help doctors detect diseases earlier, often before there are symptoms and when they are easier to treat.
Men should talk to their physician about screenings for:
- abdominal aortic aneurysm;
- diabetes;
- high blood pressure;
- high cholesterol;
- prostate, colorectal and skin cancers; and
- HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Throughout the month of June, DOH’s Men’s Health Initiative, in collaboration with DOH’s Office of Minority Health, local county health departments and other community partners will host a series of activities and special events dedicated to increasing awareness about men’s health issues. The focus of these activities and special events is to help educate men and their families about the importance of early detection and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce premature deaths.
Events include:
2nd Annual Father’s Day Event
Pinellas County Health Department
June 11, 2011, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Royal Theatre Arts Academy, 1011 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg
(727) 767-6789, JoAnna Cunin
Inspiring Speakers, Male Networking, Brunch and Door Prizes
2011 Man Up Health Summit
Duval County Health Department
(904)253-2037
June 12, 2011
“Blue Tie Sunday” partner with local churches to wear blue in recognition of men’s health awareness
June 17, 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Florida State College of Jacksonville Advanced Technology Center, 401 West State Street, Jacksonville
“Young Males Summit” workshops, health information, interactive games, haircuts, food & music.
June 18, 2011, 9:00 am (Kick stands up)
“Motorcycle Ride for Health”
Florida State College of Jacksonville Advanced Technology Center, 401 West State Street, Jacksonville
June 18, 2011, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Florida State College of Jacksonville Advanced Technology Center, 401 West State Street, Jacksonville
“Men’s Health Summit” free health screenings, workshops, healthy grilling demonstration & sampling, haircuts, food, etc
Women’s and Men’s Health Day – “Invest in Your Health”
Palm Beach County Health Department
June 24, 2011, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
C.L. Brumback Health Center, 38754 State Road 80, Belle Glade
(561) 996-1600
Featuring free screenings for HIV/AIDS/STDs, bone density testing, blood pressure checks, glucometer readings, dental screenings, health insurance & financial consultations, and nutrition presentations. Appointments recommended but walk-ins are welcome wubject to space availability.
Man Up Summit, “Come as You Are and Break the Cycle of HIV/AIDS/and Domestic Violence”
Indian River County Health Department
June 25, 2011, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Gifford Youth Activity Center Gymnasium, 4875 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach
(772) 794-7477
In addition to free HIV and STD testing, there will be blood pressure and blood sugar screening. Local speakers will address gang related issues, re-entry for incarcerated men, and more.
For a complete list of activities planned by DOH and others across the state and to learn more, visit the Men’s Health Initiative website at: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/menshealth/calendar.html.
In addition to the month long activities, DOH has designated June 17 as “Wear Blue Day”. It is a day for all men, their families and anyone concerned about men’s health to wear blue in recognition of Men’s Health Month and National Men’s Health Week to help raise awareness about men’s health issues.
More information can be found on the following websites: DOH’s Men’s Health Initiative – http://doh.state.fl.us/family/menshealth; CDC – http://www.cdc.gov/men; and Men’s Health Network – http://www.menshealthnetwork.org.
