The Party’s Over, Gentleman: Men’s Health Should Be Your Priority

<p>Men, in general, enjoy more opportunities and privileges than women, but the ladies get the last laugh since we don’t live as long. Men have a higher risk for serious diseases including lung cancer, heart disease, and HIV, not to mention unique issues like prostate cancer. </p> <p>To improve the state of men’s health, it’s critical to raise awareness about screenings and engaging in regular healthcare for men of all ages. Interventions that tackle unhealthy behaviors like excessive drinking and promoting healthier lifestyles can help to undo these elevated risks and improve wellbeing. </p> <h2>What is Men’s Health Month?</h2> <p>Every June we observe Men’s Health Month, which aims to raise awareness of the health concerns particular to males as well as encourage men to set goals for their own health and wellness. </p> <h3>Too proud for our own good</h3> <p>Men are significantly less likely to talk to a doctor about an issue than women, and they’re also more likely to report not having a primary care provider (PCP). The first step on the road to improving your health would be to establish a relationship with a PCP, who can review your medical and family history along with recommending age- and risk-related screenings.</p> <h2>The key facts on men’s health</h2> <h3>Life expectancy</h3> <p>On average, American men’s lives are almost six years shorter than women’s. Recent data shows that American men live to around 73.2 years, while women enjoy 79.1 years of life; that’s a gap of 5.9 years, and it’s the largest reported discrepancy between the two since 1996.</p> <p>The explanation for the disparity can be attributed to numerous factors related to biology, behavior, and social differences.</p> <h3>Heart disease</h3> <p>This is the leading cause of death among men. From a younger age, men are at an elevated risk of suffering a heart attack or other cardiovascular issues than women. Driving this are issues with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.</p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/NAl8ZeHNAr/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Men and Heart Disease | Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)" /> <figcaption>Men and Heart Disease. <em>Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Mental health</h3> <p>Although rates of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety tend to be higher in women, men suffering from the same are less likely to receive help. Pressure to “man up” and “tough it out” empowers a stigma around emotions and mental suffering that forces men to suffer in silence. </p> <p>Speaking out can be perceived as a form of weakness against the masculine ideal, though for some, it comes down to a simple lack of awareness of their situation and how to handle it. In 2021, the suicide rate among men was roughly 4 times higher (22.8 per 100,000) than among women (5.7 per 100,000)</p> <h3>Cancer</h3> <p>Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and significant numbers are diagnosed every year. If you have a father, brother, or son who has had prostate cancer, you are two to three times more likely to get it. </p> <p>Testicular cancer tends to hit the other end of the spectrum (15-35), and early detection and regular screenings are essential.</p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/B1dmZ0TLqp/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Prostate Cancer | Source: TheVisualMD" /> <figcaption>Prostate Cancer. <em>Source: TheVisualMD</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Obesity</h3> <p>Obesity rates are higher among men, and they amplify the risk of various health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers. A proper exercise regimen and a healthy diet are vital for maintaining a healthy weight and overall wellbeing. </p> <h2>Leading health issues in men</h2> <p>Some of the health issues that men are more likely to develop include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Diabetes</strong>. Men are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is often a result of obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle. <br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Respiratory diseases</strong>. Debilitating respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are more common in men. This is largely attributed to higher smoking rates and occupational hazards.<br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Sexual health.</strong> Erectile dysfunction (ED) and low testosterone levels can significantly impact men's health and quality of life. ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular issues, as research shows that it can happen as early as three to five years before a major heart attack or other cardiovascular event. This is particularly relevant if you start having trouble with erections in your 30s or 40s.<br /> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/JA08ErfOA9/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Circulation and Male Sexual Dysfunction | Source: TheVisualMD" /> <figcaption>Circulation and Male Sexual Dysfunction. <em>Source: TheVisualMD</em></figcaption> </figure> <br /><br /></li> <li><strong>Liver disease.</strong> As a result of heavier drinking and hepatitis infections, liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, are more prevalent in men. Limiting alcohol and getting regular check-ups can help prevent liver-related issues.</li> </ul> <h2>Strategies for better men's health</h2> <h3>Regular check-ups</h3> <p>It won’t “probably be fine” — get it checked by a professional. Routine medical checkups and screenings are essential for early detection and prevention of potentially deadly health issues. It’s time to be proactive about scheduling annual physicals, cancer screenings, and cardiovascular assessments. </p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/1dme5PILdp/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Doctor and Patient | Source: National Cancer Institute / unknown Photographer" /> <figcaption>Routine medical checkups are essential. <em>Source: National Cancer Institute</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Healthy diet</h3> <p>You know it’s not good for you, and as the years pile up with those bad habits, so too do the risks. Processed foods and added sugars have got to go, and instead, let’s get creative with a new diet featuring vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This will work wonders for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases. </p> <h3>Physical activity </h3> <p>Do you sit in the car on the way to work, sit in a chair at the office, sit in a car on the way home, then sit on the couch and watch Netflix? While your job can’t be abandoned, you’ve got to figure out ways to incorporate physical activity into your life; walking, jogging, cycling, or strength training all contribute to improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. </p> <p>Your goal should be to work up to 150 minutes of moderately intensive exercise per week. </p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/PApYy7hvo5/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Man Playing Tennis with Background | Source: TheVisualMD" /> <figcaption>Incorporate physical activity into your life. <em>Source: TheVisualMD</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Seek support for mental health issues </h3> <p>It’s not weakness, and it’ll cause enormous damage if you avoid it, so pay attention and act on any mental health issues you may be suffering from. We need to encourage men to talk about their feelings, seek counseling, and access resources without shame. </p> <h3>Trash the indulgence </h3> <p>It’s great fun being reckless when you’re young, smoking, drinking, and partying your life away. Time is on your side (briefly), but it’ll eventually catch up with you, and it won’t be pretty. Seek help to quit smoking and any substance use disorders that may be afflicting your life. </p> <figure><img src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/JA0NVziOd9/thumbnail.jpg" alt="Man with Visible Liver Drinking Alcohol | Source: TheVisualMD" /> <figcaption>Trash the indulgence. <em>Source: TheVisualMD</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Stress management</h3> <p>Do you find yourself regularly getting angry at inanimate objects like the washing machine? Maybe it’s time to include some mindfulness, meditation, or a hobby in your lifestyle. Healthy ways of coping with stress are essential for overall wellbeing. </p><h2>More on Men's Health</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/5mryybvhzj-men-s-health" target="_blank">Men: Take Charge of Your Health</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/wzzx7nlflw-men-s-health-checkup" target="_blank">Men's Health Checkup</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/zjb77xoc2m-sexual-problems-in-men" target="_blank">The Most Common Causes of Sexual Dysfunction in Men</a></li></ul>