Did you know that June is Men’s Health Month? The purpose of this national observance is to heighten awareness about the health problems that men are most likely to face. This is important, as males statistically die at higher rates than females for the top 10 causes of death: heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, accidents, pneumonia and influenza, diabetes, suicide, kidney disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women are 33 percent more
likely than men to visit a doctor in general. The problem there is that many of these dangers
are preventable, and if found early, can be successfully treated. Let’s narrow the major health
issues men face to the top 5: heart disease, stroke, suicide, and lung and prostate cancer. How
can men tip the scale in their favor with regard to these wellness challenges?
Heart disease
Heart disease risk increases with age. It’s important for men to get regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, chronic inflammation, and blood glucose levels so they can nip any potential problems in the bud. If you see red flags, take action as needed. As for daily choices, a healthy diet, rich in lean protein and fresh produce, plus a workout 3-5 times per week will prevent a multitude of problems.
Stroke
According to the American Stroke Association, men are one-and-a-quarter times more likely than women to have a stroke─a sudden blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. High-blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for stroke, so please don’t take it in stride, despite the fact that it causes no immediate discomfort. Learn more about reducing hypertension naturally.
Suicide
Why are men four times more likely to commit suicide than women? This may be partly due to untreated depression. Our culture expects men to keep a stiff upper lip, causing many to hide stress and challenges─often to their peril. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 6 million men face depression annually. Clearly, mental health issues can affect men and women alike, and there’s nothing “macho” about ignoring them.
Lung cancer
Did you know that lung cancer─the leading cancer killer of both men and women─claims more lives than prostate, colon and breast cancer combined? Needless to say, cigarette smoking is a primary culprit, along with exposure to dangerous second-hand smoke. Toxins like asbestos, as well as increasing levels of air pollution, also factor in. To slash your risk, avoid all forms of tobacco, steer clear of environmental hazards, and strengthen your lungs with regular exercise.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer for men. Fortunately, it’s treatable if found early. Regular screenings are crucial, however, as prostate cancer may not reveal symptoms until it has spread throughout the body. A good prostate health supplement offers valuable protection, as does sex. You heard that right. It turns out that ejaculation helps the prostate gland to clear itself of carcinogens, according to The Journal of the American Medical Association.1 Learn more about maintaining prostate health naturally. As you can see, men don’t have to take these health problems sitting down. Creating a prevention strategy with these tips will go a long way towards securing a healthy future.
REFERENCES
1 JAMA. 2004 Jul 21;292(3):329; author reply 329.
