Hey, Man ...You Good?

Three areas where men can focus on better health

June isn’t just a time to remember dear ol’ dad; it’s also a month set aside to encourage men to take charge of their health, wellness and medical care. 

When it comes to good health and longevity, men aren’t fairing as well as the fairer sex. According to Health.gov, men die, on average, five years younger than women. They also die at higher rates of heart disease, most cancers and even suicide.

Many factors contribute to these alarming statistics. Hormonal and physiological differences between men and women certainly play a role. So do lifestyle and career choices. Men are also less likely to prioritize a healthy lifestyle or seek medical help. In many cases, however, minor changes in a man’s habits can have a profound impact on his health, helping him to live longer — and better.

Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of all Americans, men and women alike. However, men die at younger ages from this disease. 

To start combating this killer, men should:

• Incorporate healthier foods into their diets, filling at least half of every plate with fruits and vegetables. 

• Exercise. Long hours at the gym pumping iron aren’t necessary to achieve a healthier heart and longer life; 30 minutes of exercise a day will help — especially aerobic exercise that gets the heart rate up is best. 

• nMake annual preventive care appointments with a primary care physician to stay up on heart-health indicators, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Prostate Health

Men have higher rates of most cancers. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men — it’s also the second-most deadly cancer in men. The good news is that prostate cancer is highly treatable if caught early. That’s why regular prostate exams are critical to a man’s good health.

Cancer isn’t the only prostate concern that can be addressed by a doctor. Enlarged prostate, while not cancerous, can cause a man a good deal of discomfort, as well as difficulty urinating. It’s the most common prostate problem in men over age 50.

Meanwhile, prostatitis is the most common prostate problem in men under age 50. It is an inflammation of the prostate that can lead to a number of troubling symptoms, including fever, chills and painful urination.

Good mental health is just as critical to a man’s well-being as any other kind of health. One place to start is a conversation with a doctor about good mental health practices, such as daily walks, talking out problems and stress management techniques.

Mental Health

Men are three times more likely than women to die from suicide — this means they make up over 75 percent of suicide victims. Again, the reasons behind any statistic are complex. But as with general health care, men are also less likely than women to seek mental health care. This reality, combined with the high suicide rate, is why American men are suffering what mental health experts call a “silent crisis.” 

Good mental health is just as critical to a man’s well-being as any other kind of health. One place to start is a conversation with a doctor about good mental health practices, such as daily walks, talking out problems and stress management techniques. Men who are struggling with deeper issues, such as depression or substance abuse, should ask for a referral to a mental health professional who can help them find their way toward healing.

Men: Make Your Health a Priority

The key to an overall healthy life is to prioritize healthy habits and to seek regular preventive and maintenance care from health care providers. Changes as simple as a daily walk, extra veggies on the plate and an annual checkup can make all the difference for a healthy life.