William Penn Life, 1999 (34. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)
1999-06-01 / 6. szám
mim, Hey, man! It’s time to think about your health D id you know that despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of seven years less than women? Did you know that the likelihood that a man will develop prostate cancer is one in 11? Or, that the death rate for prostate cancer has grown at almost twice the death rate for breast cancer in the last five years? Also, did you know that women visit the doctor 150 percent as often as men, enabling women to detect health problems in their early stages? And, that significant numbers of male related health problems, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility and colon cancer, could be detected and treated if only men's awareness of these problems was more widespread? Making these and other facts about male related health issues more commonly known is the goal of National Men's Health Week. This sixth annual observance will begin June 14 and end on Father's Day, June 20. By holding it during the period when men receive the greatest attention and focus in our society, the week's organizers believe they will be able to reach the greatest number of men and their families. In addition to the health topics mentioned above, the week will address such men's health issues as stroke, suicide, alcoholism and men's fear of doctors. It will also focus on such non-gender specific issues as heart disease, cholesterol count and blood pressure. By focusing on both male and nongender specific issues and the importance of a preventive health approach to these issues, it is hoped society can reduce the risk and NATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK JUNE 14-20 incidence of these problems among all people, not just men. If anything, organizers hope the week will change men's attitudes about visiting their doctor. The rate of male mortality could be reduced significantly if men would take as active a role as women do in regularly visiting their doctor for basic treatment and examinations before any symptoms have reached a critical stage. The week will also promote measures men can take to improve their health and longevity. The "Men's Maintenance Manual," a 32- page guide to healthier living, has been developed by Men's Health magazine in cooperation with the American Academy of Family Physicians. For a free copy, call tollfree 1-800-955-2002.WPL Health Links The best link for information on men’s health is your own doctor. Pay him a visit at least once a year. In the meantime, here’s where to go for more information about men’s health and National Men’s Health Week: O National Men's Health Week National Men’s Health Week 14 East Minor Street Emmaus, PA 18098 (610) 967-8620 http://www. nationalmenshealthweek.com O Men's Health American Academy of Family Physicians 8880 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO 64114 (816) 337-9700 O Men's Health-On the Web Men’s Health magazine web site http://www.menshealth.com O For a Free Copy of the Men's Maintenance Manual call toll-free: 1-800-955-2002 Just the facts, sir Here are some facts that make it clear why National Men ’s Health Week is necessary and why men need to take a more active role in monitoring and maintaining their own health • Men live an average of seven years less than women. • The likelihood a man will develop prostate cancer is one in 11. • Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 34, and when detected early, has an 87 percent survival rate. • One-third of men who contract prostate cancer die from the disease. • Nearly one-third of men who contract colon cancer die from the disease. • About 85 percent of men who contract lung cancer die from the disease. • Men are seven times as likely as women to be arrested for drunk driving and three times as likely to be alcoholics. • Regular physical examinations, self-testing and the appropriate use of medical tests can result in the early detection of many diseases and increase the survival rate to nearly 100 percent. William Penn Life, June 1999 5
