Men's Health - Tackling Challenges from Oilfield to Home

Unique Health Challenges for West Texas Men
Midland’s men are renowned for their hard work and self-reliance – but that rugged Permian Basin lifestyle comes with serious health challenges. On average, men live about five years shorter than women. In fact, many die in their prime from causes that are often preventable. For younger men under 45, unintentional injuries, accidents and even violence are the leading threats – a sobering reality in a region where oilfield and highway accidents can strike at any time. As men age, the dangers shift to chronic illnesses. Heart disease remains the number one killer of men, here and nationwide, followed closely by cancers (like prostate and colon) and complications of diabetes. High rates of obesity and high blood pressure – roughly 1 in 3 Midland men are obese – fuel these chronic conditions. Yet too often, men put off care: nearly half of American men skip annual physicals, and many in West Texas only see a doctor when something is “seriously wrong.” This culture of waiting until the wheels fall off is costing years of life.

Healthcare access is another hurdle. About 17% of Midland County residents lack health insurance, and the county is officially designated a Health Provider Shortage Area. That means there aren’t enough doctors to go around – a gap felt acutely by men working long hours in oil and gas who find it hard to schedule checkups. Occupational hazards add to the strain: men account for 92% of workplace deaths nationwide, and West Texas’s labor-force is dominated by physically demanding jobs. These factors all contribute to Midland’s men facing higher risks of heart attacks, serious injuries, and other health crises if problems go unchecked.

Mental health is an equally urgent concern, often hidden behind stoicism. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, yet surveys show about 65% of men hesitate to seek professional help for issues like stress or depression. That “tough” mentality – the idea that you should just tough it out – runs deep in our culture. But the past few years have pushed many to a breaking point. Whether it’s the stress of oil boom-and-bust cycles, financial pressures, or leftover anxieties from the pandemic, 83% of men report experiencing significant stress in the last half-year. Ignoring mental well-being can silently fuel other problems, from substance abuse to heart disease. Simply put, men’s health isn’t just physical – it’s a head-to-toe, inside-and-out challenge.

Building a Healthier Future in Midland
Midland Memorial Hospital’s recent Community Health Needs Assessment identified exactly these issues – calling for better access to mental health care, more prevention and education around chronic disease, and aggressive recruitment of healthcare providers. In line with Midland Health’s vision to become the “healthiest community in Texas,” local leaders and organizations are taking action. A new Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center is under construction, slated to open in 2026, to expand mental health services for the region. Efforts are also underway to bring more doctors and clinics to the area, so that busy working men can get care without a long drive or wait.

Just as importantly, there’s a growing emphasis on reaching men where they are. Every year, Midland Health hosts a Wellness Tour inviting residents of all ages to get involved and learn about wellness programs in the community. Programs like this make it easier – even fun – for men to get active and ask questions. Employers, too, are recognizing the value of a healthy workforce: some oil and gas companies are introducing wellness programs, from on-site blood pressure screenings to mental health seminars, to keep their crews safe and sound. Even everyday conversations are shifting. It’s becoming more common to hear Midland men comparing notes on cholesterol or encouraging a buddy to get that lingering issue checked out. This culture change is vital. As one local health outreach slogan puts it, “Strong men ask for help” – taking the macho stigma out of self-care.

Still, the biggest change agent is you – the individual man reading this, or the loved one who shares it with him. Small steps can make a life-saving difference. Health experts urge West Texas men, especially those 20-60, to not wait until retirement to start caring about their well-being. In the spirit of Men’s Health Month this coming June, now is the time to take action.

A Call to Action for Midland’s Men
Men, your health is your wealth. Here are steps to start taking charge:
• Make preventive care a priority: Don’t wait for a crisis. Schedule a check-up with a doctor, even if you feel fine. Regular exams can catch issues like high blood pressure or early signs of cancer before they become life-threatening. Early detection and treatment save lives.
• Stay active and eat smart: Trade a bit of couch time for movement. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days – even a brisk walk or doing physical work safely counts. Combine that with healthier eating (think more veggies and lean protein) to cut your risk of heart disease and diabetes dramatically.
• Mind your mental health: Stress, anxiety, and depression are medical issues – not personal failings. Talk about them. Whether it’s confiding in a friend or reaching out to a counselor, speaking up is a sign of strength. If you’re in crisis or have dark thoughts, use resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

By taking these steps, men can lead the charge toward a healthier community – and inspire others along the way. Improving men’s health isn’t just about one person; it uplifts families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Imagine fewer preventable funerals, more dads and grandpas staying active with their kids, more workers able to enjoy long, productive careers. That vision is within reach. Midland Health’s mission of making Midland the healthiest community in Texas starts with each man deciding his health matters. This June, as we gear up for Men’s Health Month, let’s commit to turning the tide. Guys, roll up your sleeves – for that screening, for that morning run, for that honest conversation – and let’s ensure that Midland’s men not only fuel our economy, but also thrive for years to come.

 

By Rohith Saravanan, MD, MBA, CPE, FACHE
Vice President of Medical Affairs/Chief Medical Officer at Midland Health