JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- June is Men's Health Month, a congressional health education program designed to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems in men and boys.
Men's Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs and other health education and outreach activities to encouraging men to regular seek-out medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.
According to Maj. Wanda Clemons, 15th Medical Group director of medical management, the Air Force has aggressively been promoting disease preventions over the last ten years, and Men's Health Month is another method of getting the message out.
"Prevention is key, and we do it well," Clemons said." Prevention not only improves the quality of life for Airmen it improves readiness and over the span of their career it saves the government money however, taking care of our people is the bottom line."
According to Lt. Col. Adam Newell, 15th Medical Group chief of flight medicine, men are more likely to suffer from certain health risks then women.
"Men are more likely to suffering from strokes, heart disease, heart attacks, and diabetes then women are. So for men, exercise and weight control is important. Those two things will help prevent these health risks," Newell said. Once your weight gets out of control, and you do not exercise then you are at risk for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which leads to a high risk of a stroke or heart attack."
There are several ways to prevent health issues. Routine doctor visits exercise and healthy eating play an important role in maintaining good health.
According to Newell, weight control is just knowing what types of foods are healthy to eat, how much of these foods to eat and when to eat them.
Additionally, exercise will help control weight gain and prevent potential health risks. According to Clemons, it is recommended at a minimum that men and women get at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. She also warned that if you are planning to take any type of workout supplements, you should talk to your healthcare provider first.
Smoking can also contribute to many health complications. For those who are interested in quitting, the HAWC often offers smoking cessation classes.
Although the month is dedicated to men’s health, it's important men take an active role in their health every day.