Health disparities still persist for men; Approximately 15 percent of women enter retirement as widows says Men's Health Network

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Today, the New York Times published an article showing that men are suffering from a silent health crisis, with men dying at higher rates for the top causes of death, and five years earlier than their female counterparts.

The failure to address this glaring disparity has a devastating effect on women and families:

-- Approximately 15 percent of women who marry men near their own age enter retirement as widows.

-- The U.S. Administration on Aging found that more than one- half the elderly widows living in poverty were not poor before the death of their husbands.

-- Loss of the major bread winner in the family means that widows and children must rely on government assistance, and the assistance of family and friends.

Lack of research funding plays a role as cancer strikes one in two men compared to one in three women, yet funding for the major male cancer, prostate cancer, is dramatically lower than that for breast cancer in women.

The failure of society to actively engage men in the health care system takes a toll at early ages, but the trend accelerates as men near retirement. It is expected that men will enter Medicare in poorer health than women, creating an unequal burden on the health care system. The effect of poor health habits, adverse socialization and lack of access to health care is reflected in higher mortality among aging men and the male-female ratio in later years.

"Encouraging men to seek preventive care, dialogue with their physician, and make small changes in daily habits would get men headed towards making healthier lifestyle decisions. Men's Health Network has consistently advocated for creating a federal Office of Men's Health to coordinate local, state and federal education, awareness and programs surrounding men's health." explains Scott Williams, director, Professional Relations and Public Policy.

For more information please visit http://www.menshealthnetwork.org MHN is a non-profit educational organization comprised of physicians, researchers, public health workers, individuals and other health professionals. MHN is committed to improving the health and wellness of men through education campaigns, partnerships with retailers and other private entities, workplace health programs, data collection and work with health care providers to provide better programs and funding for men's health needs.