Men’s Health Month: Prioritize Your Health This June

Did you know that men are significantly less likely to see a doctor than women?

While June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, taking care of your health should be a year-round priority. Yet, only about 60% of men go in for a yearly checkup — and nearly 40% wait until something is seriously wrong before making an appointment. Some men even admit they only go to the doctor because a spouse or partner insists.

This delay in care can be dangerous.

The overall mortality rate for men is 41% higher than it is for women. Men die at higher rates for 8 out of the 10 leading causes of death — including heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

Routine checkups and preventive screenings save lives.

One critical area is prostate cancer — the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S. If you have a father, brother, or son who’s had prostate cancer, your risk is 2 to 3 times higher. Talk to your doctor about when to start PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test screening.

Another often-overlooked issue is erectile dysfunction (ED). More than 30 million men in the U.S. experience it. While treatable, ED can also be an early warning sign of more serious health problems, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. If you’re experiencing ED, don’t ignore it — speak with your doctor.

Let’s talk about mental health.

Approximately 31% of men will experience depression during their lifetime, but many don’t talk about it. Only 9% report symptoms of depression or anxiety — and of those, just a quarter are willing to speak to a mental health professional.

Mental health matters just as much as physical health. If you’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, reach out. Talk to a friend. See a counselor. You are not alone — and support is available.

Here’s how men can take charge of their health:

• Schedule regular checkups — don’t wait until something is wrong.

• Know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

• Talk to your doctor about cancer screenings, including colon cancer screening, which now can be done at home with a DNA test called Cologuard.

• Pay attention to signs of depression, stress, and anxiety.

• Build a support system — and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Address sexual health concerns openly — they could signal other conditions.

And to the women reading this: please encourage the men in your life to make their health a priority. A simple conversation or a shared appointment reminder can truly make a difference.

Your health is your most valuable asset.

This Men’s Health Month, take the first step. Make an appointment. Ask the questions. Have the conversations. Your life — and your health — matter.

About Florida Health Care Plans

Founded in 1974, Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP) is a pioneering provider of health insurance plans and comprehensive health care services available to individuals, families, employers, and Medicare-eligible individuals.

Headquartered in Daytona Beach, FHCP was the first federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in Florida and the second federally qualified HMO in the Nation. As a community-based healthcare provider, FHCP offers members access to primary and multispecialty care, on-site pharmacies and labs, radiology, ultrasound, and other services at its integrated care centers located throughout Brevard, Flagler, St. Johns, Seminole, and Volusia Counties.

An affiliate of Florida Blue and part of the GuideWell family of health solutions companies, FHCP carries an A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best. FHCP is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

For additional information, visit www.FHCP.com. For the latest news and content, visit the FHCP Newsroom and follow FHCP on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram @floridahealthcareplans, and X (formerly Twitter) @myFHCP.