In the spirit of growing awareness and funding for men’s health, November marks the time for an inspiring initiative—Movember. This month, CharityRx is thrilled to announce the Movember Men’s Health Fund as our Charity of the Month. By participating, you can positively impact men’s health across the nation just by filling your prescriptions. In this article, we’ll explore the state of men’s health in America, the incredible efforts of the Movember Foundation, and how you can contribute simply by using the CharityRx prescription discount card.
Men’s health in America faces significant challenges. According to USA.gov, men are more likely to die from preventable causes than women. Factors such as lifestyle choices, lack of regular health check-ups, and mental health stigma contribute to this concerning trend. Additionally, men are less likely to seek medical attention, leading to late diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Tackling these issues requires awareness, education, and proactive measures to promote healthier lifestyles.
Statistics show that one in three men has not visited a doctor in the past year. This alarming figure underscores the importance of improving access to healthcare and encouraging men to prioritize their well-being. We can significantly enhance men’s quality of life and longevity by addressing these concerns.
According to an article by Richard Reeves entitled “Six Facts on Men’s Health,” men face significant health challenges, including shorter life expectancies, high suicide rates, and substantial losses due to drug overdoses and COVID-19. Despite these issues, there aren’t many public health goals that target men, and only one male-specific preventive measure is covered by the ACA. These facts underscore the need for focused attention on men’s health.
In 2022, projected life expectancy in the U.S. was 74.8 years for men and 80.2 years for women. This gender gap has widened over the last decade. Life expectancy varies by race as well as gender, with the biggest gender gap of 8 years between Black men and Black women.
Many men’s lives were lost to COVID-19. At the latest CDC count, 652,000 American men and 539,000 women have died from the virus. In the peak year of the pandemic, 2021, the age-adjusted death rate for men was 60% higher than for women.
Male suicide rates are four times higher than women’s. However, both the level and the gender gap vary by age. As AIBM research shows, the suicide risk has risen particularly rapidly among young men since 2010. In absolute numbers, around 40,000 men lose their lives to suicide each year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calculates the potential years of life lost each year as a result of deaths from injuries and accidents occurring before the age of 65, including suicide, homicide, and overdoses. The calculation is intended to put more weight on an earlier death from a non-natural cause; a person who dies at the age of 25 loses 30 more years of potential life than if they were to die at 55, for example. The CDC data, reaching back to 2001, shows that around three times as many potential years of life are lost for men as for women. In 2022, more than four million years of potential life were lost for men and almost one and a half million years for women.
Official public health targets are set by the federal government every decade. The latest, Healthy People 2030, was released in 2020 and comprises 359 core or measurable health benchmarks. Many of these relate to particular demographic groups. However, there are just four goals for men, fewer than for any of the other groups.
As of June 2024, 44 preventive healthcare interventions for adults are covered under the Affordable Care Act (excluding vaccinations). Some of these are for everyone, while some are for specific groups. 20 apply to both sexes, 12 relate to pregnancy, 11 apply to women (unrelated to pregnancy), and one applies only to men.
The men-only provision is screening for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm among men aged 65-75 who are smokers or former smokers.
The Movember Foundation has been at the forefront of men’s health initiatives since its inception. This global movement encourages men to grow mustaches during November to raise awareness and funds for crucial health issues. The foundation focuses on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Through their efforts, Movember has funded over 1,250 projects worldwide, making a tangible difference in men’s lives.
Movember’s impact extends beyond raising funds; it fosters a sense of community and solidarity. By participating, individuals join a network of supporters committed to changing the face of men’s health. This sense of belonging empowers men to take control of their health and seek help when needed. Movember’s initiatives have sparked conversations, reduced stigmas, and inspired action, ultimately saving lives.
We’re proud to partner with the Movember Men’s Health Fund for November. By using the CharityRx card, customers can save up to 95% on their medications while contributing to a cause that matters. The card is free to use and is accepted at over 70,000 pharmacies nationwide, including major chains like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Walmart. Every prescription filled generates a donation to the Movember Men’s Health Fund, allowing you to effortlessly support men’s health research and initiatives.
Participating in our November campaign is simple and impactful. By choosing CharityRx, you not only benefit financially but also become part of a movement to improve men’s health. Imagine the collective impact we can achieve by combining savings and support for vital health programs. Together, we can make a difference.
Pharmacy customers can easily obtain the CharityRx card by visiting our website or downloading our app. Customers can use the card at participating pharmacies to enjoy significant savings on their prescriptions. CharityRx is 100% HIPAA compliant, meaning no personal information is required to use our card. It’s a win-win situation—enhanced affordability and the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause.
Pharmacy staff plays a crucial role in promoting the campaign and increasing participation. By spreading the word about CharityRx and the Movember initiative, pharmacists can engage customers and encourage them to join the movement. Simple actions like displaying CharityRx cards, providing information, and initiating conversations can empower customers to make informed choices and support men’s health efforts.
Men’s health is a pressing issue that requires our collective attention and action. The Movember Foundation’s impactful work, combined with the support of CharityRx, offers an opportunity for everyone to make a difference. By participating in our November campaign and using the CharityRx prescription discount card, you can save money, raise awareness, support research, and contribute to initiatives that improve men’s health outcomes.
Join us in this endeavor by using the CharityRx card and spreading the word. Share this post with your friends, family, and social networks to amplify the message and inspire others to participate. Together, we can create a healthier future for men and continue saving lives through the power of unity and compassion.
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