Men's Health in the US: A Realistic Overview Based on Official Data
In the United States, men’s health faces significant challenges, as evidenced by alarming statistics released by government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This scenario highlights the urgent need for actions aimed at preventing and promoting health among men.

Life Expectancy and Mortality
In 2022, life expectancy for men in the U.S. was 74.8 years, while for women it was 80.2 years, a difference of 5.4 years. This disparity is even more pronounced among Black, Indigenous, and rural men, who have the lowest life expectancies of any group.
The leading causes of death among men include heart disease, cancer, and unintentional accidents.

A number of behavioral factors contribute to the health problems faced by men:

Alcohol Consumption: 30.9% of men aged 18 and older reported having consumed five or more alcoholic drinks in a single day at least once in the past year.

Atividade Física: Apenas 28,3% dos homens atendem às diretrizes federais de atividade física, que recomendam 150 minutos de atividade aeróbica moderada ou 75 minutos de atividade vigorosa por semana, além de exercícios de fortalecimento muscular duas vezes por semana .

Tabagismo: 12,5% dos homens com 18 anos ou mais são fumantes atuais.

Obesidade: 41,6% dos homens com 20 anos ou mais são obesos .

Hipertensão: 50,5% dos homens com 18 anos ou mais têm hipertensão, definida como pressão arterial elevada medida ou uso de medicação para pressão alta .

Mental Health and Suicide

Men’s mental health is a growing concern. In 2022, 15.1% of men between the ages of 21 and 25 reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. Additionally, men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, with especially high rates among middle-aged white men.

Barriers to Access and Use of Health Services

Many men face barriers to accessing and utilizing health care services:

Health Insurance Coverage: 10.4% of men under age 65 do not have health insurance coverage.

Health Care Utilization: Men are less likely to make routine doctor visits and seek preventive care, which can lead to delayed diagnosis of diseases.

Initiatives and Recommendations
During Men's Health Month, celebrated in June, several organizations emphasize the importance of preventive practices:

New York City Department of Health

• Regular Exams: Have regular check-ups and screening tests to detect diseases such as cancer and diabetes early.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Adopt a balanced diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Mental Health: Seek psychological support when necessary and be aware of signs of depression and anxiety.

For more information and resources, visit the CDC's website on men's health: 
Raising awareness and adopting preventive measures are essential to improving the health and well-being of men in the United States..