Men's health

Alongside a healthy diet, exercise is one of the most important protective factors for physical, mental and social health. A regular early detection check-up helps to identify health risks in good time. As a father, you are also an important role model for your child in terms of health behavior. Be active and pass on a healthy lifestyle to your child. It's worth it!

According to statistics, men have a shorter life expectancy on average than women. The latest fact sheet on men's health from the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) shows where the greatest risk factors for men lie: For example, obesity, which affects almost two thirds (61.6 percent) of men, and the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes. Men are also less likely to take care of their health.

The data compiled by the BZgA also shows that there is a lot of catching up to do when it comes to preventive healthcare. At 45.4 percent, only just under half of men regularly take advantage of health checks for the early detection of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. Although 75.5 percent of men are aware of the health insurance companies' recommendations for cancer screening examinations, only 40 percent actually take advantage of these offers. There is also still room for improvement for many men when it comes to exercise: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least two and a half hours of "moderately strenuous endurance activity" per week for adults. However, only 48% of men in Germany achieve this.

In the balancing act between family and work, it is not always easy for fathers to integrate sufficient exercise or other preventative health measures into their everyday lives. Prevention programs offered by health insurance companies can be helpful here. These subsidized or subsidized programs aim to motivate people to do something for their own health in the long term. In the prevention courses, participants acquire new knowledge and new skills for maintaining their health, which they can continue to apply independently after the end of the program and integrate into their everyday lives. Appropriate courses are offered in areas such as exercise, nutrition, stress management and substance abuse. You can find eligible courses in your region on the website of your health insurance provider.