HOUSTON, Texas — June is Men’s Health Month, and health officials are encouraging men across Harris County to take proactive steps toward better health through regular screenings, preventive care, and healthy lifestyle choices.
According to Harris County Public Health, men typically live about six years less than women and are more likely to die from preventable conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
Key Health Risks Facing Men
Data from Harris County highlights several health concerns affecting local men:
- Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men.
- Hypertension is more common in men and increases the risk of stroke and kidney disease.
- Prostate cancer continues to disproportionately affect Black men, who experience the highest incidence and mortality rates.
- Lung cancer rates remain significantly higher among men than women.
Health experts say routine screenings can help detect many of these conditions before symptoms appear, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Steps Men Can Take Today
HCPH recommends several simple but effective ways to improve long-term health:
- Schedule annual wellness exams and preventive screenings.
- Discuss prostate cancer screening with a healthcare provider, especially if over age 50 or at higher risk.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
- Prioritize quality sleep and stress management.
- Avoid tobacco products and limit unhealthy habits.
Local Resources Available in Harris County
Harris County Public Health offers low-cost and preventive health services, including:
- Wellness checkups and physical exams
- Prostate cancer screenings and referrals
- Diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure screenings
- HIV testing and prevention services
- STI testing and treatment
- Mental health screenings
- Nutrition counseling and family planning services
Residents can also access programs focused on diabetes prevention, tobacco cessation, asthma management, nutrition, and physical activity.
For more health guidelines and recommendations, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.