Oral

Joint Session sponsored by Maternal and Child Health Section & Men’s Health Caucus. A healthy mind and body is important to every man in America. Healthy men, both young and old, are the backbone of society and an integral aspect of the workforce. However, the health of men is an often overlooked aspect of the health of our nation. Men currently have a life expectancy of five years less than women and die at higher rates in nine out of the top ten causes of death. If we intend to achieve the 2020 Healthy People objectives, it will take a drastic shift in how public health and the healthcare system deliver services to men. Preventing chronic disease can be achieved by having a nutritious diet, engaging in at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week and being tobacco-free or quitting smoking. These lifestyle behaviors also contribute to a man and his partner being healthy before starting a family, having a healthy pregnancy and improved birth outcomes. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: 1) Male involvement in family planning 2) Family planning programs for young men 3) Innovative outreach methods for delivering services to men 4) Preconception health for men 5) Fatherhood programs 6) Environmental factors and their effects on men’s sexual and reproductive health 7) Policy advocacy for paternal family/medical leave 8) Health promotion programs for homeless men 9) Chronic disease prevention programs for men

Session Objectives: 1 - Describe the disparities in the health of men today (e.g. life expectancy) 2 - describe the relationship between men's health and maternal/child health 3 - discuss opportunities for improving men's health through prevention in the context of maternal child health

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)