Men’s health is a concern not only for men, but for women who care about the health of their husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers.
(PRWEB) June 17, 2015
Men’s Health Month
The focus of Men’s Health Month is on increasing awareness of preventable health problems, and encouraging early detection and early treatment of health issues among men and boys.
Throughout the month of June, healthcare providers, media, public policy makers and individuals can take the opportunity to help men and boys take preventative and remedial health measures through education and encouragement.
In 1994, Congressman Bill Richardson noted that recognizing and preventing health problems in men is “truly a family issue”, due to its impact on wives, daughters, sisters, and mothers.
The National Men’s Health Week (NMHW) celebrated within Men’s Health Month was passed by Congress in 1994, and President Clinton signed it into law.
HealthZone, a Men’s Health Network sponsored program, reports a steadily deteriorating level of health in American men. The decline is attributed in the main to lack of awareness, poor health education, and culturally-learned patterns of behavior.
Since 1994, the impact of substance abuse and addiction on men’s health continues to increase, along with the increased need for its prevention and treatment.
Substance Abuse in Men
While substance abuse and addiction crosses all gender, ethnic and cultural lines, men experience a higher rate of alcohol abuse than women. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports 10.8 million men in America 18 and over were abusing alcohol (2013). That alcohol and substance abuse is “truly a family issue” is highlighted by the fact that 10 percent of U.S. children live with an alcohol-abusing parent.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), reports binge and heavy drinking is more prevalent in men, with 30.4 percent of men 12-years and older reporting past-month binge drinking, in comparison to 16.0 percent of women. Binge drinking is defined as five drinks or more on the same occasion.
While motivations to use, and patterns of addiction may or may not be different between men and women, successful prevention and treatment broadly applies. And in support of Men’s Health Month, National Men’s Health Week, and the health and well-being of families who depend on the man who is head of their household, Narconon Arrowhead issues the following guide to preventing and treating addiction.
Guide to Men’s Health for Preventing & Treating Addiction
Unhappiness, stress and problems all heavily influence health, and open the door to substance abuse and addiction. The ultimate trap lies in the fact that the drug or alcohol chosen as the solution to the problem—no matter what it is—becomes the new problem.
While life does not guarantee anyone happiness or an easy road, you can take effective steps to making your life more livable in your own estimation, and increasing your ability to deal with its stresses and problems without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
Take Care of Yourself
Feeling ill, tired, drained, stressed, or in pain, makes you vulnerable to substance abuse. Choosing a chemical escape puts your health—and your future—at risk. Any chemically-induced relief is fleeting, and potential addiction is a consequence.
Lifestyle changes that include a healthy, nutritious diet and daily exercise build a strong and lasting foundation for good health; proof you up against the stresses and problems of life; and go far in substance abuse prevention.
Take Care of Your World
Your world—the environment in which you live—heavily influences your health, well-being and happiness. It also influences whether or not you choose substance abuse.
Your surroundings include your home and work environment, the people you are connected to, your pets, your possessions, your mechanical objects, the culture you live in, and even the weather.
A constant connection to a “toxic person”, or living in a dangerous environment, puts your sanity and well-being at risk. It also opens the door to substance abuse.
Your chances of avoiding—or recovering from—substance abuse are much greater when surrounded by positive, supportive people who mean you well. Living in an environment that is safe and friendly in your own estimation goes far in substance abuse prevention—and recovery.
Seek Treatment
Addiction recovery is real. It begins with a decision. A drug-free treatment program that takes a holistic, educational approach to treating addiction is highly recommended. For more information call 800-468-6933.
See the full guide here: http://www.narcononarrowhead.org/guide-to-preventing-treating-addiction-in-men/