MEN'S HEALTH
ABOUT MEN’S HEALTH
Gender is one of the most important determinants of health behavior. Research consistently shows that men engage in far fewer health-promoting behaviors and have less healthy lifestyle patterns than women.
For example:
- they eat more fat and less fiber
- they sleep less
- they are more often overweight than women
- Men tend to smoke and drink more than women
- Men do not seek medical help as often as women.
- Men tend to join in fearless, risky, dangerous behaviors more than women.
- Men also largely define themselves by their work, which adds to stress and to being disconnected from their emotional side. This can add to problems in relationships, as well as in jobs and careers.
College men, specifically, also engage in far fewer health-promoting behaviors than college women. For example, they consistently score lower on an index of health-protective behavior that includes safety belt use, sleep, health information, eating habits, and exercise. College men are also significantly less likely to practice self-examinations for testicular cancer than college women are likely to practice self-examinations for breast cancer.
The good news is that many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented and treated if they are diagnosed early. So you deserve to pay more attention to yourself! Take better care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Or, if you are a woman searching for ways to help the men in your life, tell them the same. One way to start is to use the resources you'll find here.
What screening tests do college men need? For healthy men under age 40, the current guidelines recommend the following:
- Testicular exam by a medical provider every 1 to 2 years. Testicular cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men age 18 to 35.
- Testicular self exam every month
- Blood pressure screening every 2 years
- Blood test for cholesterol every 5 years
OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND AWARENESS EVENTS
The Center for Health Education and Promotion staff (Peer Health Educators and Professional Health Education staff) offers a variety of educational and interactive outreach programs that can be scheduled at your convenience. The outreach programs linked to this health issue are
- It's Up to Us!
- Men's Health & Wellness 101
- Testicular Cancer Awareness Week (Event Calendar)
Also available is programming for body art, credit card debt, gambling awareness, and other topics. If there is something that you have an interest in but do not see it listed, please contact us and we will work together to determine what will best meet your needs.
CAMPUS SERVICES
RESOURCES
Our resource area contains brochures, articles, bulletin board packets, books, videos, and handouts on a wide variety of health related topics. If we don't have it, we will help you find it!
ONLINE RESOURCES
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
