June is Men’s Health Month 

Volusia County, Fla. - Volusia County males have higher death rates than males across the state. Not only are they more likely to die from colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer, they also have higher death rates from stroke, heart disease and diabetes, according to statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Volusia County.

DOH-Volusia is encouraging citizens and businesses to help build awareness of men’s health during Men’s Health Month June 1-30. The annual international health week is designed to increase health awareness among males and encourage early detection and treatment.

“Awareness is the first step toward living longer, healthier lives,” said DOH-Volusia Administrator Patricia Boswell. “All of us should encourage our fathers, our husbands, our sons and our friends to be proactive by getting screened by a doctor.”

Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, eating a healthy diet and not smoking can help prevent chronic disease, Boswell added. But that does not eliminate the need for check ups.

“Regular screenings are important,” Boswell said. “And since men are half as likely to visit a doctor for disease prevention, Father’s Day (June 19) is a good time to encourage them to make an appointment.”

Males in the 32114 zip code of Daytona Beach fare worse across those six diseases. For example, colorectal cancer (incidence) rates are 10 times the county and state. Stroke rates are nearly 13 times higher, according to Thomas Bryant III, DOH-Volusia planning and performance management director. The statistics were shared during a recent Men’s Health Summit at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.

“There are a variety of reasons why disparities in chronic disease exist among races and geography,” Bryant said. “Access to healthcare and the ability to pay for it are only two of the many factors that affect the health of a community. The social determinants of health such as where you live, work, play, learn and age influence the conditions impacting our quality of life.”

To help ensure all people are aware of the healthcare resources available, the United Way of Volusia County offers the 2-1-1 Volusia Flagler/First Call For Help. The free, confidential service gives people in need of community services direction and support when they don’t know where to turn, Boswell said.

The 2-1-1 service also is available online at 211live.org .

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.