June: National Men's Health Month Published June 27, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Anchored by a congressional health education program, Men's Health Month is celebrated every year across the country. Screenings, health fairs, media appearances and other health education activities are held each June to raise awareness for men's health. The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. One main problem among males is their reluctance to see medical professionals compared 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 do not go to the doctor as often as women," said Capt. Amanda Killinger, 53rd Airlift Squadron flight surgeon. "Men shouldn't be afraid to get checked out." "It is much easier to prevent than it is to cure. 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," Killinger said. According to the Center for Disease Control, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, after lung cancer. "Routine check-ups are vital when it comes to health," said Killinger. Along with regular doctor visits, there are many other things that men can do in order to prevent disease and stay healthy. Numerous resources are available on base that can help men become, and stay active. Exercise and healthy eating play a key role in developing and maintaining good health. Aside from the clinic, The Health and Wellness Center has various exercise classes like Vital 90 and cross training, to help both men and women get in shape. The HAWC also holds healthy cooking classes. Eating healthy is a great way to combat heart disease, which is prevalent in American men. Eating right and exercising not only makes Airmen healthy, it makes them fit to fight. Another problem that men and all Airmen often face is lack of sleep. The 19th Mental Health Clinic offers multiple classes such as sleep hygiene and relaxation classes that can help remedy and treat sleep problems. Being overstressed can lead to a multitude of health problems. Eating right, exercising and getting sleep is proven to reduce stress. Fatherhood can also cause stress. The inability to manage stressors such as family relationships can cause hardship, irritability or anger. Family Advocacy has both a fatherhood basics class along with an anger management class. Although June is coming 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 will make up America's future. For more information on fitness and healthy eating classes, the HAWC can be reached at (501) 987-7288. For information on sleep therapy and relaxation classes, call the Mental Health clinic at (501) 987-7338. To find out more about fatherhood or anger management classes, Family Advocacy can be reached at (501) 987-7377.