According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the five leading causes of death for U.S. men are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke. In many cases, these common health problems for men are highly preventable.
Men can lower their risk for several common health issues through changes in lifestyle and by developing healthy habits.
Health problems related to diet and exercise
An unhealthy diet and sedentary living increase your risk for obesity, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death for U.S. men. Having any of these health issues increases your risk for additional health problems.
Staying active, choosing healthy meal options, and eating the right portions can help improve your overall health and lower your risk for several chronic health conditions.
Skin cancer
You can lower their risk for skin cancer by wearing sunscreen, wearing protective clothing that covers the skin, and avoiding extended periods of time in direct sunlight
Colorectal cancer
Rectal and colon cancers are almost entirely preventable. Colorectal cancer screening detects precancerous polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous.
Mental health problems
Depression is diagnosed more often in women than men, but men are more likely to commit suicide than women. Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death for U.S. men. There’s strength in seeking help for mental health issues, and there are screening options that can help identify mental health conditions like depression.
Flu and preventable diseases
While the flu isn’t entirely preventable, getting a seasonal flu vaccine each year significantly decreases your risk for developing a flu infection; it’s the best way to prevent the flu. Men can vaccinate against several diseases including shingles, pneumococcal disease, tetanus, and diphtheria.
Lung disease
Men are more likely than women to smoke, and smoking is the leading cause of COPD and lung cancer.
Smoking is also the leading cause of preventable death. Don’t start smoking, and quit smoking if you do smoke. There’s no safe way to smoke.
MANA offers smoking cessation counseling in Northwest Arkansas.
Heart disease
Factors that increase the risk for heart disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, excessive alcohol use, excessive caffeine use, and stress. Both men and women can develop heart disease, but men are more likely than women to smoke and drink alcohol in excess.
Accidental injuries
Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that can lead to injury or death. Simple actions like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, and not driving under the influence can save your life.
Men should talk to their doctor about health problems
Men are more likely than women to delay medical care or miss regular checkups. Talking to your doctor is an easy way to improve your health.
It’s important to see your doctor even if you feel healthy; doctors aren’t just there when you’re sick.
Annual wellness exams help your doctor detect health issues early on before they become serious problems. Your primary care physician provides screening tests, and makes sure that you are current on your vaccinations. They help you make decisions that directly improve your health and your quality of life.
Regular visits improve the quality of healthcare that your primary care physician provides. The more your doctor knows about your health the better care you receive.
MANA has some of the best doctors in Northwest Arkansas. Meet with a MANA physician today.