Men, Take Better Care of Your Health

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The HVACR industry is constantly changing and evolving, and even though more women are joining this rewarding career, the majority of contractors are still male, and men are dying at an alarmingly young age. The National Center for Health Statistics says that the average life expectancy for men is 76-years-old and for women is 81-years-old in the United State. With this in mind, the topic of men’s health should be a major factor for contractors, when considering the physical and mental wellness of your employees. The health of all HVACR professionals is important, and we need to have discussions about how men can take the steps to live longer and happier lives.

The first step towards an open dialogue about men’s health is to be well informed. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death among American men. In 2017, 347,879 men died of heart disease in the United States. Also, prostate cancer and testicular cancer exclusively impact men. Data from the American Cancer Society estimates that 191,930 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the Unites States this year. In addition, the American Cancer Society estimates that 9,610 new cases of testicular cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. While modern medicine has helped to prolong the average lifespan amongst both genders, there are steps that can be taken on an individual level to lead healthier lives. lead healthier lives.

The health gap between men and women in the U.S. can be attributed to a variety of social and behavioral factors. Is the stereotype of the driven, overworked male working professional true? Oftentimes, being a contractor in the HVACR industry involves working in the heat and other dangerous situations. These demanding and overwhelming situations can lead to physical and mental stress. These stressors can make men more vulnerable to hypertension, heart attack and stroke. An article from Harvard Health Publishing states that men don’t have the same type of reliable social circles that women do. Women are more willing to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns than men. Nevertheless, men should have a network of friends and family that will be willing to support them when a health concern arises. This will help to decease the chances of substance abuse, smoking, alcoholism, and other risky behaviors that men are more susceptible to.

To close this health gap between men and women, there needs to be proactive steps taken by individuals of both genders to care for ourselves and those in our daily lives. Rather than ignoring obvious signs and symptoms, men should be encouraged to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthy diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups are the key to a longer life. Here at ACCA, we want to see male HVACR professionals thrive and live long, prosperous lives.

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Posted In: Management