The Silent Crisis Shortening Men’s Lives — And Why Harris County Wants Fathers to Take Notice This June
When it comes to health, many men tend to put others first—often delaying doctor visits or screenings until there's an urgent need. The numbers show it. Across the U.S., men die, on average, five years earlier than women. In Harris County, they're also more likely to suffer and die from heart disease, hypertension, lung cancer, and prostate cancer—most of which are preventable or treatable if caught early.
This June, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is marking Men’s Health Month by urging dads, brothers, sons, and husbands to rethink what strength looks like. “Preventive care isn’t weakness—it’s protection,” says the agency. “Taking charge of your health is one of the most powerful things a man can do for himself and his family.”
The Health Gap Men Can't Afford
The 2024 Chronic Disease in Harris County report reveals troubling disparities:
- Heart disease kills more men than women in the county.
- Hypertension—linked to strokes, kidney failure, and heart problems—is more common in men.
- Men are hit harder by lung cancer, with Black, non-Hispanic men carrying the heaviest burden.
- Prostate cancer remains a leading threat, especially for Black, non-Hispanic men, who face the highest diagnosis and death rates.
And yet, many men still skip the doctor until something goes seriously wrong.
According to a 2023 Cleveland Clinic survey, 55% of American men don’t get regular health screenings. That number jumps even higher among men of color. More than three in five say they think they’re “naturally healthier” than other people—a belief that can cost them their lives. Meanwhile, the CDC has found that women are not only more likely to visit the doctor, they’re also twice as likely to get preventive care.
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Why So Many Men Stay Silent
Some of the reasons are deeply ingrained. For generations, men have been taught to "tough it out," to downplay pain, and to avoid showing vulnerability. That cultural pressure doesn’t just hurt emotionally—it can become deadly when men ignore warning signs or avoid checkups.
And many simply don’t know their family’s medical history. In the same Cleveland Clinic survey, 64% of men admitted they didn’t know if cancer ran in their family. Nearly 80% didn’t know about any urological conditions either.
These blind spots make it even more critical for men to be proactive about their health.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Taking control of your health doesn’t require a massive overhaul—it starts with one step at a time. HCPH recommends:
- Annual checkups: Preventive screenings can catch issues before they become life-threatening.
- Balanced eating: Think colorful plates—fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Regular movement: Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity.
- Stress relief: Try meditation, journaling, or even just taking walks in nature.
- Solid sleep: Aim for seven hours a night. Your body rebuilds when you rest.
Help Is Here in Harris County
HCPH offers a wide array of low-cost services tailored to men, including:
- Screenings for prostate cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and STIs
- Physical exams and vaccines
- HIV prevention and testing (including PrEP and PEP)
- Mental health assessments
- Nutrition counseling and family planning
For deeper, community-level support, the Health Prevention and Coordinated Care Division offers programs focused on healthy eating, quitting smoking or vaping, and preventing diabetes before it starts. These initiatives are especially vital in neighborhoods that have long faced health inequities.
“No man should feel alone in trying to stay healthy,” HCPH says. “These programs are about more than just medicine—they’re about giving every man the tools to live fully and live long.”
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This Father’s Day, Show Up for You
Whether you're chasing grandkids, building your career, or simply trying to feel better in your own skin, taking charge of your health is a powerful act of love—both for yourself and those who count on you.
To learn more about the services HCPH offers, visit hcphtx.org or call 832-927-7350.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
