More men die from leading causes of diseases than women. On average, men die five years earlier than their wives. Studies show that women are simply healthier than men.
But one of the major causes of this is the fact that being healthy is the least of men’s priority. They usually go to the doctor less than women do. And when they go, their conditions are most likely to be serious already. Here are common health concerns for men that you should watch out for:
1. Heart Attack
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, as well as in women. Coronary artery disease or CAD is the most common form of heart disease in America. Heart diseases can be prevented with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. A month before a heart attack, the body shows signs and symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and feeling weak. If you experience any of these signs, consult a doctor immediately.
2. Skin Cancer
Men seldom protect their skin. They are also twice as much to develop the two most common types of skin cancer as women: the basal cell and the squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer is also the most common cancer in the United States. To prevent skin cancer, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
3. Lung Cancer and Other Lung Diseases
Lung cancer kills more men and women than any other type of cancer. Other lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or otherwise called COPD are leading causes of disability. Smoking is the leading cause of most lung diseases. To prevent these diseases, the best way is to not smoke at all. If you want to stop smoking, there are steps you can follow on the American Lung Association page or consult a doctor.
4. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. Fifteen to thirty million Americans experience erectile dysfunction. But, the good news is that this condition is highly treatable. However, there are times that erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of heart diseases and diabetes.
5. Obesity and Diabetes
Nearly 26 million adults, more than one in 10 of those are men, are suffering from Type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, obesity is also linked to type 2 diabetes. In the United States, about a third of their population who are adults are obese. Obesity and diabetes increase the risk of other diseases like heart attack and other heart diseases, stroke, and kidney disease. To prevent these two major common health risks for men, living a healthy lifestyle is important. That means you have to have regular physical activities (walking, jogging hiking, and running), a healthy diet (more than one fruit, vegetables, protein and whole-grain foods), and avoiding vices like smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
6. Prostate Cancer
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in America. According to research, prostate cancer affects one in six men throughout their lifetime. Consult your doctor and ask if you will need a prostate cancer screening
7. Depression and Suicide
Men often have a hard time recognizing depression. Instead of having symptoms of depression like sadness and crying, men’s emotions may be converted into anger or aggression. It is also more difficult for their friends to notice or see the signs of depression in them. Depression for men can be a life and death situation. Men are four times more to commit suicide than women, and ninety percent of people who commit suicide have depression and other mental and substance abuse disorders.
8. Osteoporosis
Twenty-five percent of men who are older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Having rheumatoid arthritis, previous history of broken bones, gastrointestinal disease, or a history of using corticosteroid increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Limiting your alcohol consumption and smoking can help you prevent osteoporosis. Consult your doctor for a screening test for osteoporosis.
9. Stroke
A stroke happens when a broken blood vessel or a blood clot interrupts the flow of the blood to the brain. In the United States, someone suffers from a stroke every 40 seconds. Signs and symptoms of a stroke include numbness, speech problems, weakness in the arms, and a drooping face. If any of these symptoms occur, call 911 immediately. Some of the preventive measures of stroke include keeping your blood pressure down, using tobacco, and avoiding alcoholic drinks.If you are experiencing any of these health conditions, consult your doctor immediately. You can also go to walk in clinic Brantford for a consultation or look for online consultations on the web for a more convenient check-up. Other diseases mentioned above requires screening tests to distinguish if you have the disease. Because of this, medical and professional consultation is a must.