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Men’s health issues range in severity, but these three common issues can be prevented and diagnosed early to help with treatment. This Men’s Health Month, we are bringing awareness to the three most common health issues seen in men.
June is Men’s Health Month. Whether you happen to be one yourself, or you just love someone who is, we hope you’ll celebrate with us by spreading the word about helping men stay healthy. This, of course, starts with a regular diet, exercise, and a yearly physical exam.
But is that really enough?
The Truth About Men’s Health Issues
Research tells us the answer is no. As a biological sex, there are a few unique men’s health issues that aren’t nearly as common in women – and nearly all of them have the potential to be fatal. Knowing how to spot the warning signs of these illnesses, and how to prevent them, can help all men live longer, more vibrant lives.
We hope you’ll join us in observing this important month by learning more about the major conditions that predominantly affect men in the next few sections. We also hope you’ll share what you’ve learned with your brothers, fathers, sons, and friends. Not only will you be doing your part to help all men stay healthy, but you just might save a life in the process at the same time.
1. Heart Disease
According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one killer of men in the United States today. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 men – more than some people have in their immediate families – will die of heart disease before the age of 60. Over 347,000 men died as a direct result of heart disease in 2017 alone.
Those frightening statistics continue to climb. But there is good news: it is now more possible than ever to prevent, detect, and treat heart disease in men if it occurs. And when men do have heart attacks, they are far more likely to survive.
Preventing Heart Disease
Preventing advanced heart disease starts with preventing the secondary conditions that often lead to it. This includes:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Monitoring blood pressure regularly, eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and drinking plenty of water helps. You should also avoid smoking, excessive drinking, and other negative influences.
Recognize the Symptoms
Learning to recognize the symptoms of heart disease is also critical, if only because it might save your life. Men often experience “silent symptoms” such as dizziness, feeling faint, sweating, and nausea during a heart attack. These symptoms may be so mild that you dismiss them as a pulled muscle or simple exhaustion.
Heart failure, which is different from an impending heart attack, can cause symptoms that seem much less specific and more chronic (meaning they occur regularly for some time). This includes swelling in the legs and arms or shortness of breath.
Stroke, which is technically a disease of the cardiovascular system as a whole, can cause a variety of strange symptoms. You might feel confused, drunk, dizzy, or even just plain out of sorts. Difficulty talking or forming words, stumbling, or experiencing a sudden, crushing headache – the worst you’ve ever had – is also a red flag.
If You Have Symptoms
The most important takeaway is that men should never ignore chest pain or other cardiac symptoms, no matter how minor they seem. Doctors often recommend chewing two low-dose baby Aspirin; there’s evidence this might slow progression of an attack. Then, call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room right away.
2. Cancer
Cancer, as an umbrella term, affects millions of American men every single year. But unlike heart attack and heart failure, it doesn’t refer to any one specific disease. It is instead a catch-all that encapsulates a long list of diseases, each involving abnormal cellular growth and division within the body.
When it comes to men’s health issues; men are more likely to suffer from certain cancers than women. This includes:
- Prostate cancer
- Melanoma
- Lung cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Prostate and colon cancers are especially concerning because they typically produce almost no symptoms until the very late stages of disease.
Preventing Cancer
The number one way to prevent cancer is to get tested for precancerous cells and/or warning signs regularly. MD Anderson Cancer Center recommends that men begin scheduling regular prostate exams by the age of 40. You should also begin to have a colonoscopy every five to 10 years once you reach the age of 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent testing if you have a family history of cancer.
There are other actions you can take to greatly reduce your risk for cancer. Primarily, don’t smoke! Smoking is directly correlated with most cancers. Cutting back on drinking, wearing sunscreen, and getting enough healthy food, exercise, and sleep is also critically important. So is managing stress.
Recognize the Symptoms
It’s difficult to outline exactly which symptoms men might experience as a result of cancer, mostly because cancer isn’t any one disease. However, any new growths, dark patches of skin, or lumps should be investigated by your doctor.
The same is true for having difficulty urinating, feeling intense pain around the prostate, intense stomach cramping, or defecating blood. Usually, these symptoms will be related to another more minor illness instead, but they can be a red flag for certain cancers.
If You Have Symptoms
As for what to do if you have symptoms, or you suspect you may be suffering from cancer? Try not to panic. Cancer is far more rare than other diseases, even in men with a family history of it. See your doctor and share your concerns right away.
3. Unintentional Accidents
Men are accident-prone – and that’s not just a stereotype. Statistics show that unintentional accidents are the third most common cause of death in men over the age of 20. In fact, approximately 11 million men are treated for an accident in ERs across the country every single year. Those who do have an accident are nearly twice as likely to die afterward than women, making prevention critical.
The Most Common Accidents for Men
Certain unintentional accidents are more common in men than others. This includes motor vehicle accidents (especially involving alcohol), slips and falls (especially at home in the bathroom), and drug overdoses (illicit and prescribed).
Preventing Unintentional Accidents
While every unintentional accident is unique, most have one main thing in common: they’re easy to prevent with proper safety measures. But exactly what that means differs depending on which type of accident you’re trying to prevent.
- Slips and falls: To reduce the men’s health risk for slips and falls at home, keep your home neat and organized at all times. Be mindful of tripping hazards, install grab bars and rails in your bathroom. Make floor surfaces non-slip with rubber-backed mats and/or by using carpet instead of slippery ceramic or linoleum tiles. Wearing shoes in the house, however counter-intuitive it feels, is also highly recommended for older men due to increased traction.
- Car accidents: ALWAYS practice safe driving – and be aware of your own ability to stay focused or see the road. Don’t drink and drive, even if you’ve only had a half a glass of beer. If you’re taking new medication, be sure of how it affects you before you drive. Don’t drive distracted, tired, or sick, and ALWAYS wear your seatbelt when you head out.
- Drug overdoses: It goes without saying that staying away from illicit drugs will help you prevent a drug overdose. But the truth is that in many cases, it isn’t street drugs causing the problem. It’s far more common for men to accidentally overdose on over-the-counter or prescription medications, including Tylenol, Advil, and blood pressure medications. Talk to your pharmacist extensively about how to use your medicine, and don’t be afraid to call if you aren’t sure how to use it safely. And, most importantly, seek medical attention right away if you think you’ve accidentally taken too much.
Final Thought
Want more information about men’s health issues and prevention, or have a follow-up question? Your neighborhood pharmacist is your best resource for fast facts. Reach out today and help keep yourself, or someone you love, healthy and well.
