Article Display

Men's health month increases health awareness

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Every June, Men's Health Month is observed to help increase awareness of preventable health problems and aid with early detection and treatment of medical problems with men.

With approximately 70 percent of the Air Force being male, it is imperative that all male Airmen maintain healthy lifestyles in order to keep the Air Force the world's dominant airpower, said Airman 1st Class Ryan Armitage, 20th Force Support Squadron force management technician.

"Men are more likely to use tobacco, drink alcohol, make unhealthy or risky choices, and put off regular check-ups with their doctor," said Penny Hardin, 20th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Health Promotions program coordinator.

According to the Center for Disease Control website, heart disease results in approximately 25 percent of male deaths in the United States.

Hardin said the best way to prevent heart disease is to eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and body composition, participate in regular physical activity, do not smoke, and consume alcohol in moderation. 

While striving for a healthy lifestyle is important to one's health, getting regular physicals and check-ups are great tools for the early detection of many ailments and diseases.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website, men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year.

"I truly believe I should go the doctor more because there may be things that I just brush off as if no big deal, but they may in fact be more threatening to my health than I know," said Armitage. "Growing up, I was told that a few over-the-counter medicines and a good night's sleep will help with sickness or other issues, but that isn't always the case. The Air Force needs me and all Airmen to be healthy and to be able to complete the mission at all times."

If one Airman is down, the whole mission could be affected, so it is crucial that all Airmen ensure they are healthy and ready to meet any challenge, anytime, anywhere.

For more information about Men's Health Month, contact 20th AMDS Health Promotions at (803) 895-1216.