Men's Health - Defense Centers for Public Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention External Link , the average lifespan for men is 6 years less (2022 average 73.5 years) than women (2022 average 79.3 years).

The CDC reports heart disease and cancer as leading causes of death among men, and cites leading risks among men 18 years and older:

Alcohol consumption including binge drinking. 30.9% of men had 5 or more drink in 1 day at least once during past year.
Physical Activity Among Adults Aged 18 and Over: United States, 2020. Over 60% of men did not get recommended weekly aerobic (150 minute moderate, or 75 minute vigorous) and muscle-strengthening (2 times a week) activity.
Smoking. Over 13% of adult men still report smoking.
Obesity. 40% men aged 20 were obese according to a 2017-March 2020 survey.
Hypertension, measured as high blood pressure and/or taking antihypertensive medication. 50.5% adult males reported having hypertension during a 2017-March 2020 survey.

Men can modify behaviors to reduce these risks of developing chronic health conditions.

NEW & Popular in Men's Health

News article: Fight fat as you age (June 2023)
Did You Know? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus often spread through sexual contact that can lead to certain types of cancer among women and men later in life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that every year over 15,000 men in the U.S. get cancers caused by HPV, most of which are in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. These cancers are considered largely preventable by getting the HPV vaccine. If not fully vaccinated as a child, per CDC guidelines everyone male or female up to 26 years of age should get the HPV vaccine. People 27-45 years may also benefit from the vaccine, but should discuss with their healthcare provider first.
Vaccine Questions? Check with the Defense Health Agency Immunization Healthcare Division (DHA-IHD). Recommendations for military service members include CDC-recommended Vaccines for adults, and when needed additional vaccines for country-specific and Areas of Responsibility (AOR) threats to protect the DOD. Check out DHA-IHD “What's New" section for updates within the last 30 days and the mobile app for the Immunization Tool Kit (ITK) for military policy, national recommendations, scientific evidence and clinical guidelines.
Steroids and Supplement Use: Though anabolic steroids are illegal for service members, some may be tempted to use them to build muscle quickly. Evidence shows, however, anabolic steroids are associated with numerous health problems. Certain supplements can also have risks. Go HERE for details.

Fitness and Injury Prevention

For information on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), Army fitness standards, and injury prevention, click HERE.

Health Monitoring Services and Tests

The key to maximizing your health is to be proactive - learn about men's preventive care and tests HERE.

Men's Sexual Health

For information on sexual health for men, click HERE.