Men’s Health Month Published June 11, 2015 By Senior Airman Harry Brexel 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Each June, a congressional health education program is promoted to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Screenings, health fairs, media appearances and other health education activities are held to raise awareness for male health concerns. The increased visibility of Men's Health Month encourages men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. One main problem among males is their reluctance to see medical professionals in comparison to their female counterparts. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimates that American men are 25 percent less likely than women to visit a doctor. "For whatever reason, men in general just do not go to the doctor as often as women," said Capt. Amanda Killinger, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight surgeon. "Men shouldn't hesitate to get checked out." "Prevention is much easier than treatment," Killinger said. Take prostate cancer as an example, it is treatable, but if a man doesn't get diagnosed early, things have the potential to get much worse." "Routine check-ups are vital when it comes to one's health," said Killinger. According to the Center for Disease Control, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, after lung cancer. Along with regular doctor visits, there are multiple other things that men can do in order to prevent disease and stay healthy. Numerous on-base resources are available to help men become and stay active. Exercise and healthy eating play a key role in developing and maintaining good health. T he Fitness Center has various exercise classes like Vital 90 and cross training, to help both men and women get in shape. The Health and Wellness Center also holds healthy cooking classes and provides nutritious recipes. Eating healthy is a great way to combat heart disease, which is common in American men. Another problem that men and all Airmen often face is lack of sleep. The 19th MDG Mental Health Clinic offers multiple classes such as sleep hygiene and relaxation classes that can help remedy and treat sleep problems. For information on sleep therapy and relaxation classes, call the Mental Health clinic at (501) 987-7338. Being overstressed can lead to a multitude of health problems. Eating right, exercising and getting sleep is proven to reduce stress. Many men smoke in order to curb stress. But smoking tobacco often does more harm than good. On average, men are much more likely to smoke than women. The HAWC also offers classes for both genders who are trying to quit. Though June will come to an end, men should focus on their health year round to live longer, happier lives. Along with being a better Airman, being health conscious sets an example for children, who make up America's future. For more information on fitness, healthy eating healthy or quitting smoking, the HAWC can be reached at (501) 987-7288.