Men’s Day: understand the importance of the date for men’s health

Celebrated on July 15, the date serves to raise awareness among men of the importance of health care and well-being.

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It’s not just women who have a special date. Men won, in the 1990s, an official date to highlight social issues related to gender. In this moment data and facts on man’s living conditions come to the fore in favor of a healthier and more egalitarian society.

Men’s Day in Brazil

While in several countries Men’s Day is celebrated on November 19, in Brazil the celebration takes place on Saturday July 15. The difference is that the international date is directly related to the Blue November campaign to prevent prostate cancer.

Date meaning

In common, both dates follow the aim of drawing attention to social issues related to the male gender, especially in the field of health and well-being.

The idea is to use this event to make the male population aware of preventive treatments, such as medical visits and periodic tests and the adoption of healthy habits, which include physical activity, taking care of one’s diet and avoiding excesses. Another important initiative is to use the date to attract men to the discussion on promoting gender equality and combating sexism.

Men’s health data

Prostate cancer, a major concern when it comes to men’s health, is the second leading cause of death among them, according to the National Cancer Institute (Inca). The good news is that the disease has a high cure rate when diagnosed and treated early, which reinforces the importance of follow-ups.

Another alarm for this man’s day is the 20% increase in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) compared to 2019 data, before the pandemic. In all, there were more than 22 million consultations in the Unified Health System (SUS) in 2022.

The number comes from the SUS Outpatient Information System and was broadcast to Terra by the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU). According to the body, about 50% of men over 50 will have BPH. For the 70-80 year old group, this number can be as high as 80%.

“These data may also reflect pent-up demand during the pandemic or even the worsening of the condition due to the delay in diagnosis and treatment that occurred during the period,” emphasizes Karin Jaeger Anzolch, director of communications at SBU.

Men’s health tips

Perform regular medical checkups

Medical supervision is not superfluous. Take advantage of Men’s Day to fix annual appointments (or even six-monthly, if there is indication to do so) and do routine exams. This measure allows for the early diagnosis of possible diseases and also helps prevent other comorbidities.

Maintain a healthy diet

It’s no exaggeration to talk about the big impact food has on the body. Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. On the other hand, avoid processed foods or foods high in sugar and trans fats. Drink lots of water and, if possible, consult a nutritionist.

Practice regular physical activity

Man, move! Regular exercise increases the production of endorphins, a hormone that generates a feeling of well-being, but the benefits don’t end there. Exercise improves physical conditioning, helps with weight control, and helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and improve mental health. Try activities, like bodybuilding and yoga, or sports, like swimming or running, and add them to your daily life.

Have a sleep routine

Just like eating, sleeping is essential for humans. But it’s not just any nap between activities. Look for a regular sleep routine that allows you between 7 and 8 hours of rest. Just before going to bed, leave the electronics aside, this can improve the quality of sleep.

avoid smoking

There are several risks associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory problems. If you’re a smoker, it’s always time to quit. Seek help.

Moderate alcohol consumption

Even though beer and alcohol in general are embedded in Brazilian culture, that doesn’t mean that their consumption is good for your health. Excessive consumption can lead to liver damage, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and even intensify mental health problems.

Pay attention to mental health

Taking care of the body is important, but the mind needs attention too. Try to relieve stress, stay relaxed and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Problems like anxiety and depression can affect anyone, so take care of yourself.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.