Several years ago, we embarked on a survey through North Dakota State University Extension to decide on topics for a men’s health program. The men participating in the survey gave us excellent information.
In the numerous replies, we learned they were most interested in learning about cancer and heart disease and that they appreciated having materials just for them.
We obtained some special funding and developed hands-on lessons for men, which we called “Healthwise for Guys” (mainly because it rhymed). My NDSU students helped develop the materials.
We were among the only Extension organizations in the U.S. with materials just for men. The lessons have been popular and are reviewed regularly for accuracy.
Some women attended the sessions for the men in their lives. The men in our study told us that they learned from their significant other.
Do the men follow instructions from their significant other? I do not know.
Later, the women told us they wanted materials “just for women.” We developed those, too.
June is Men’s Health Month, so that’s a good time to revisit the men’s health materials that remain updated on our website. The topics include cancer, heart disease, prediabetes, obesity and skin cancer.
Let’s take a quiz about men’s health, with information gleaned from the National Center for Health Statistics and other national sources.
1. About how many years longer is the average woman’s life expectancy compared to a man’s?
3 years
5 years
7 years
10 years
2. What is the leading cause of death among all adults?
A: Cancer
B: Heart disease
C: Accidents
D: Alzheimer’s disease
3. True or False? The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma (the deadliest version of skin cancer) are white men aged 50 or older.
4. True or False? Prostate cancer only occurs in men over the age of 60.
5. Eating a diet rich in fiber can reduce our risk for several chronic diseases, including colon cancer. How much fiber (in grams) should men up to age 50 consume, and how much fiber should men over age 50 consume?
A: 12 grams; 22 grams
B: 21 grams; 31 grams
C: 48 grams; 40 grams
D: 38 grams; 30 grams
Here are the answers and some comments:
1. In general, women live about five years longer than men — 80.2 years versus 74.8 years.
2. B. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults. Take steps to protect your heart with a healthful diet, including plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables and other fiber-rich foods. Get regular exercise, avoid smoking and control your blood pressure.
3. True. Men are more likely to develop melanoma. Be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Set a fashion statement (and protect your face, ears and neck) by wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Avoid the sun as much as possible in the middle of the day.
4. False. Prostate cancer will affect about one in five men in their lifetimes. Although prostate cancer is more common among older men, it can occur in younger men. Be sure to get updated screening advice from your health care provider. If men have difficulty passing urine, a family history of prostate cancer and pain in the belly or groin, they should let their health care provider know.
5. D. Men up to age 50 need about 38 grams of fiber daily, while men aged 50 or older should aim for 30 grams daily. Black beans, baked beans and raspberries are excellent sources of fiber. Check the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods to see the fiber content in your food choices.
Learn more by visiting the NDSU Extension nutrition, food safety and health website, then go to “Nutrition, Health and Wellness” and “Chronic Disease Prevention” to view the “Healthwise for Guys” and “Healthwise for Women” publications.
Here’s an easy way to get more fruits and vegetables in your diet. It nourishes, cools and quenches your thirst.
Berry Good Smoothie
2 cups ice (about 14 ice cubes)
1 cup 1% or skim milk
1½ cups frozen triple berry blend fruit (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry)
10 baby carrots
1 teaspoon ground flax seed
1 cup 100% berry juice or preferred juice
All fruit can be fresh or frozen, but frozen fruit provides a better texture.
Place ingredients in blender in the same order as written. Blend until smooth.
Makes four servings. Each serving has 90 calories, 0 grams (g) fat, 2 g protein, 18 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber and 50 milligrams sodium.
Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D., is a North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and professor in the Department of Health, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences. Follow her on Twitter @jgardenrobinson.