JUNE IS MEN’S HEALTH MONTH: Guys, Take Action
Here are some sobering facts about men’s health:
- More men than women die from 9 of the top 10 causes of death in the US.
- Men die an average of 5 years younger than women.
- More males are born (105 boys for every 100 girls), but by age 35, women outnumber men.
- Men have a higher suicide death rate than women.
- Men account for 92% of fatal workplace injuries.
- Men do not get routine physical exams nearly as often as women.
Don’t be a statistic. You have the power to reduce many of the biggest risks to your health by making smart lifestyle choices.
- Don't smoke. Get help to quit: Oregon Tobacco Quit Line.
- Eat a healthy diet. You can do this. Try these tips: Eat Right.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you need to lose, see WW plans for men.
- Get moving. Try these real-life fitness tips.
- Limit alcohol. Get the facts. Maybe it’s time to Rethink your drink.
- Manage stress. Take this online quiz to gauge your stress level.
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING FOR MEN’S HEALTH MONTH, make an appointment with a doctor for a routine checkup and get recommended preventive care for men. Your health plan benefits pay 100% when you receive preventive services from an in-network provider.
How your benefits help:
- Preventive screenings could save your life: Watch the video
- Kaiser Permanente: Men’s Guide to Good Health
- Providence: June is Men’s Health Month
- Regence: Men’s Health
PROSTATE CANCER: Should You Get Tested?
- Q: What do I need to know about prostate cancer?
- A: One in nine men in the US will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, making it the second most common cancer for men. Most prostate cancers grow slowly and don’t cause any health problems in men who have them. However, some men may have a faster growing prostate cancer and will benefit from early treatment.
- Q: Who should get tested?
- A: Men who are 55 to 69 years old should talk with their doctor about having a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, according to the US Preventive Services Task Force. Watch this short video to learn more: Should I Get Tested? Many men with prostate cancer don’t experience symptoms and, without screening, would never know they had the disease.
- Q: Can I reduce my risk?
- A: There’s nothing you can do to reduce your risk, but early detection can be the difference between life and death. Men who have a higher risk—older men, African-American men, and men who have a family history of prostate cancer—should talk to their doctor about a regular screening strategy.
Resources from your Health Plan:
- Centers for Disease Control: What you can do
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: Get free patient guides
- Kaiser Permanente: Prostate Cancer
- Providence: PSA Testing
- Regence: Four reasons to stop avoiding the doctor
MY LIFE EVENTS: Your Online Resource for Life’s Detours
Certain changes in your family, employment status or other health coverage may allow you to make mid-year changes to your Health Plan benefit selections. For example, you may be able to enroll in a Health Plan, change your Health Plan or add new dependents. Qualifying events include:
- Marriage
- Domestic Partnership
- Divorce or Legal Separation
- Birth, Adoption or Legal Guardianship
- Death
- Change in Employment Status
- Change in Other Coverage
Get all the details about what changes you may make on the My Life Events page. Act quickly! You must make any changes within 31 calendar days from the date of the event.