Lifestyle Tools for Men's Health and Disease Prevention: Well-being- Nutrition, Physical Activity, Stress Management, Connection
LA Frame
Published: 29 December 2022
Abstract
Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of overall health and wellness (well-being). Mental illness is increasingly common with 1 in 5 American adults experiencing it annually, and 1 in 20 suffering from a serious mental illness each year [1]. Treatment rates for mental illness are lower in men (37.4%) compared to women (51.2%)[1]. Globally, treatment rates are similar with an estimated cost to the global economy of $1 trillion annually, yet less than 2% of government health expenditure is for mental health worldwide [2]. Despite this, only nine studies have been published specifically targeting men’s mental health through lifestyle interventions, be that primary prevention or treatment, and all were underpowered for mental health outcomes [3]. The long-term consequences of such interventions in men are promising and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in general are clear, especially in programs geared specifically towards men [4]. Mental health also effects physical health; for instance, cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk is 40% higher in those with depression [5]. Therefore, a holistic, systems approach is necessary to truly prevent disease and cultivate well-being using the lifestyle intervention tools of nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and connection. Read more
