Conditions concerning men and tips to prevent them.
The average life expectancy for men in the United States is almost 5 years less than women. Additionally, 12.1% of men 18 years of age and older are in fair or poor health. So what’s the reason for the poor state of men’s health? Men are reluctant to openly discuss their health and are less likely to take action when they don’t feel well, physically or mentally.
Saint Alphonsus family medicine physician, Joshua Chong, DO, stresses the importance for men to become aware of the conditions they are at more risk for. “Symptoms of chronic illness often only appear after a disease has already secured a foothold” says Dr. Chong. “It’s far more beneficial to prevent a disease from taking root rather than reacting to the damage it is inflicting after the fact. Being proactive with your health through routine checkups and screenings gives you the best shot at a better outcome and effective treatments. There are a variety of illnesses that disproportionately affect men, but those risks can be significantly reduced with proper monitoring and guidance.”
Some of the health concerns men should be aware of include:
- Heart Disease – risk factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
- Lung Cancer – smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer, linked to 90% of all cases in the United States.
- Liver Cirrhosis – twice as many men as women are dying from liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and excessive use of alcohol.
- Parkinson’s Disease – affecting about 50% more men than women likely due to genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.
- Prostate Cancer – the second most common cancer for American men, after skin cancer, affecting one in six men during their lifetime.
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) – a majority of those living with ALS in the United States are men.
- Skin Cancer – after the age of 50, men are more than twice as likely as women to develop skin cancer or die from it.
- Stroke – the fifth leading cause of death in men and the leading cause of long-term disability.
“Making lifestyle changes can significantly lower the risk of the most common health problems among men” says Dr. Chong. He shares a few of his recommendations here:
Don’t smoke
If you smoke or use tobacco products, quit. Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke and air pollution.
Limit alcohol
If you drink, do so in moderation. That means up to two drinks a day if you are 65 years of age and younger. The risk of cancers, such as liver cancer, increases with the amount of alcohol you drink and the length of time you’ve been drinking. Too much alcohol can also raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Eat healthy
Limit foods high in saturated and trans fats, and foods with added sugar and sodium. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods, and lean sources of protein.
Watch your weight
Lose excess pounds and keep them off with a healthy diet and frequent exercise. Choose physical activities you enjoy, like sports or brisk walking.
Manage stress
Stress can negatively impact your lifestyle habits as well as your immune system. Learn to deal with stress in healthy ways, like exercising or meditation. Stress management also includes sleep management, a common pitfall for men who are 2-3 times more likely to have sleep apnea than women. A good night’s sleep is critical for maintaining good health.
Understanding men’s health risks is important. Taking action to reduce those risks through healthier lifestyle choices can help you live a longer, happier, and more fulfilling life. If you haven’t already, establish care with a family medicine provider and schedule your annual wellness visit. He or she will ask you about your family medical history, any conditions you may have or medication you may be taking, and what your lifestyle is like – all to better understand your current condition and advise on ways you can improve your health or prevent future illnesses.
