On average, men pay less attention to their health than women. Compared to women, men are more likely to:

• Drink alcohol and use tobacco.
• Not see a doctor on a regular basis.
• Wait as long as possible before going to a doctor with health symptoms or an injury.
• Not get recommended vaccines.
• Not be totally honest with their doctor, especially about sexual health.
• Make risky choices.
  

More to Know

1. In Connecticut*:
   Males and African Americans have the highest hospitalization rates and years of potential life loss for cardiovascular and heart disease, stroke, and heart failure.
2. African American and Hispanic males have a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer.
3. African American males also have a higher risk of getting and dying from lung and prostate cancer.

Not paying attention to your health increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. But you have the power to lower these risks.

It All Starts with Preventative Care

Seeing a primary care doctor on a regular basis for routine checkups is the key to managing your health. Your doctor will assess your overall health and recommend the preventive vaccines, screenings, and lifestyle you need.

When you meet with your doctor, it's important to be open and honest. Ask questions. Express your concerns. Don't be shy - doctors have heard it all. A conversation now is better than a complication later.

Three Tips to Make the Most of Your Doctor Visit

Vaccines - Adults Need Them Too

Getting vaccinated is one of the safest ways to protect your health. Vaccines help prevent getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, missed work, medical bills, and not being able to care for your family.

Learn more about recommended vaccines, including the flu shot here.

Recommended Screeings & Tests

Getting screened for diseases and cancers can help you live a longer and healthier life. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Diabetes

• More than 20% of Americans with diabetes don't know they have it.
• More than 80% of Americans with prediabetes are not aware of their risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Because often there are no symptoms with type 2 diabetes, early screening is key to finding out if you have high blood glucose or "blood sugar levels."

Untreated diabetes can lead to many serious medical problems including heart disease and stroke. Testing for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes is recommended for people ages 35 and older, and for those with higher risk. Learn more.

Heart Health (Cardiovascular Health)

During your checkup, your primary care doctor will do blood pressure and cholesterol screenings and will check your body mass index. These are important measures to find out if you're at risk for heart disease or stroke.

• Blood pressure is one of the most important screenings because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so it can’t be detected without being measured. High blood pressure greatly increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Cholesterol blood tests measure total cholesterol: LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. If your test shows you have high cholesterol, your doctor may want to monitor it more frequently to prevent heart disease or stroke.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol can often be controlled through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Lung Cancer

If you smoke, or have a smoking history, talk to your doctor about getting screened for lung cancer. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for 80%-90% of cases.

The good news is that if detected early through screening, the chance of successful treatment and recovery is much higher.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends annual lung cancer screening with a low dose CT scan (LDCT) for people who:

Learn more about the lung cancer, screening locations, and more here.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. But it doesn't have to be. Colorectal cancer is the most curable cancer if found early.

Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. With screening, doctors can find and remove polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.

Today there are several screening types. Your doctor will recommend what's best for you and how often you get them. Learn more about screening options here.

Prostate Cancer

When cancer starts in the prostate, it is called prostate cancer. The prostate is a part of the biological male reproductive system, which includes the penis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles.

All men are at risk of prostate cancer. The most common risk factor is age. The goal of screening for prostate cancer is to see if it may be at high risk of spreading if not treated, and to find it early before it spreads. Talk to your doctor about getting screened.

Learn more about prostate cancer here.

Help with Cancer Screenings

If you're eligible, cancer screenings are often covered by health insurance at no cost. If you don't have health insurance or have a high deductible plan, there is help available for free or low-cost screenings. Learn more at ct.gov/dph/screening.

Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health

Oral health and whole-body health aren't two separate issues. Your mouth is as much a part of your body as your digestive and circulatory systems and can have just as big an impact on your overall health.

Your mouth is full of germs. While mostly harmless, your mouth is the entry way to the rest of your body. Some germs can lead to disease throughout your body.

Poor oral hygiene and an unhealthy lifestyle can also lead to gum disease. Gum disease forms when bacteria, plaque, and food particles are left around your teeth and gums, causing your gums to become inflamed. If left untreated, you could experience gum recession and tooth loss. Untreated gum disease can also lead to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Here are ways to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy:

1. See a dentist at least once a year, although twice a year is recommended.
2. Brush your teeth at least twice daily. Brush your tongue too.
3. Clean between your teeth with floss.
4. Eat a healthy diet and limit sugary foods and drinks.
5. Don't use tobacco.
6. Limit alcohol consumption.

Make Time for Your Mental Health

One in every five US adults live with mental illness according to the National Institute on Mental Health. Caring for your mental health is important to your overall health. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

Practice self-care - take the time to do things that help you live well, both physically and mentally. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Here are some self-care tips:

Self-care looks different for everyone. It's important to find what you need and enjoy.

Seek help if you need it. If you're experiencing any of the common signs and symptoms of mental illness, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional.

Live Healthy for Every Tomorrow

So much about your health is in your hands. Make healthy choices, not only for you, but for your family and loved ones.

• Go to the dentist on a regular basis.
• Take care of your mental health.
• Make lifestyle changes to limit your risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease:
  
  • Eat a balanced diet - limit sugar, sodium, and excessive calories.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Stay active with regular physical activity.
  • Don't use tobacco.
  • Limit your alcohol consumption.
  • Reduce your stress.
• Prevent injuries:
  • Drive safely - wear a seatbelt, stay focused, and obey speed limits and traffic signals.
  • When exercising, wear protective gear, stay hydrated, and practice proper warm up and cool down routines.
  • Remove hazards in your home. Keep your floors clear of clutter, install smoke detectors, and store any firearms safely.

* Connecticut Behavioral Risk Factor/Survey Prevalence Estimates for Risk Factors and Health Indicators, January 2023 State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

For Men's Partners: Why Men's Health is Your Issue Too

The health of the man in your life not only impacts him, but you and your family. When men are healthier, they're more likely to contribute positively to their relationships and family.

You can play an important role. Motivate and encourage lifestyle changes that can prevent disease and improve overall well-being.

Too Many Men Die Prematurely

Men have a higher risk of dying prematurely from heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and many other issues. Why? They are less likely to take care of themselves – not going to the doctor on a regular basis, having unhealthy habits, and taking risks.

According to the American Journal of Men's Health:

How You Can Make a Difference

As a partner, you can make a big difference. Encourage him to talk openly about his health. Accompany him to doctor appointments. Help him maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Preventive Care Saves Lives

Help your partner get into the habit of seeing a doctor regularly for checkups. A primary care doctor will assess his overall health and recommend preventive vaccines and screenings needed. The doctor will also discuss lifestyle changes to improve health. Encourage him to go over family medical histories with his doctor. Many diseases have family ties.

Be Aware of Symptoms

Look for symptoms that could indicate serious health issues. Some of these include:

Paying attention to your partner's health can help improve the quality and longevity of his life.