“There is a silent health crisis in America…it’s that fact that, on average, American men live sicker and die younger than America women.” Dr. David Gremillion Men’s Health Network.

Men die at a higher rate than women from the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92% of workplace deaths. In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Now, men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women. (CDC) Women are 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive service. (CDC)

Depression in men is undiagnosed contributing to the fact that men are 4 times as likely to commit suicide.

 Among ages 15 to 19, boys were 3.1 times as likely as girls to commit suicide.

 Among ages 20 to 24, males were 4.6 times as likely to commit suicide as females

 The suicide rate for persons age 65 and above: men-31.5 female -5 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Health Statistics)

Who really is the weaker sex? 115 males are conceived for every 100 females, but male fetuses are at greater risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. 25% more newborn males die than females. Three fifths of SIDS victims are male.

Testosterone is linked to elevations of LDL, the bad cholesterol, and declines in HDL, the good cholesterol. Men have fewer infection-fighting T-cells and are thought to have weaker immune systems than women. By the age of 100, women outnumber men eight to one. (NYT Magazine 3-16-03)

GOOD RELATIONSHIPS = GOOD HEALTH – FOR MEN

Make Yourself Available. Men are taught to hide their feelings as a sign of strength and masculinity. But when it comes to loving and being loved, that belief is a sure fire guarantee of isolation, loneliness, and depression. Show up, because only what you show is available to be loved.

Genuine Love Requires…. As simple as it may sound, a relationship takes two. Both people must feel seen, heard, appreciated, and valued. If you are the only one that counts, your partner is as good as invisible. And if only your partner counts, what’s the point of being in a relationship? A real life, satisfying relationship grows out of your willingness to work with your partner, especially when she has the better point of view.

Differences are Critical No matter how much two people have in common, when they enter into a relationship they soon discover all the ways they are different from one another. How you treat those differences will either make or break your relationship. Trying to change your partner leads only to resistance and rejection. Opening to your partner as different from you sets the stage for a love that is real, trustworthy, and secure because she will know that she is being loved for who she is and not for some idea or image of whom you think she’s supposed to be. And that’s the only love that lasts.

So men, be good to yourself and your families – take good care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you have any questions see our Parish Nurse, Judi or contact Men’s Health Network (202)543-6461 or www.MensHealthNetwork.org.