The statistics tell an alarming story. If you’re a man, your health is at risk.
Research shows on average, men die five years earlier than women. They also die at higher rates from the three leading causes of death – heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.
The goal of Men’s Health Month, held every June, is to raise awareness for men’s health problems and to encourage the early detection and treatment. This month, Blue KC urges our male members to take control of your health. We also encourage families to teach boys about the importance of developing healthy habits at a young age.
Ways to celebrate Men’s Health Month
Men’s Health Month is the perfect time to kick off healthier living. Here are some tips to live by any day of the year. Hey man …
Eat healthy.
Start by taking small steps like saying no to supersizing and yes to a healthy breakfast. Eat many different types of foods to get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Add at least one fruit and vegetable to every meal.
Get moving.
Play with your kids or grandkids. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Do yard work. Play a sport. Keep comfortable walking shoes handy at work and in the car. Most importantly, choose activities you enjoy to stay motivated.
Make prevention a priority.
Many health conditions can be prevented or detected early at your $0* annual preventive visit with your primary care provider (PCP), where screenings may include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and prostate health.
If you don’t have a PCP:
Find one in your neighborhood – Visit your member portal at MyBlueKC.com, select Find Care in the left column, then enter any of the following in the search bar: PCP, family medicine, internal medicine, general practice, or a specific provider name.
Enrolled in a Blue KC plan with Spira Care? – Visit a Spira Care Center for advanced primary care services at no additional cost** to you. Make an appointment at one of eight Spira Care Centers in the Kansas City metro area by calling 913-29-SPIRA (77472). Learn about Spira Care providers, hours of operation and more at SpiraCare.com.
*When you visit an in-network doctor or facility.
** For Blue KC members enrolled in plans (without an HSA) with exclusive access to Spira Care Centers, there are no additional costs for any procedure provided at Spira Care Centers, and a select number of generic prescriptions can be filled on site at your copay or deductible level.
Source: Menshealthmonth.org, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention