Cancer is the #2 health concern for men worldwide. Here’s a quick look at the facts and actions associated with several non-cancer health issues that impact men.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Fact: 1 in 4 men will die of heart disease, the leading cause of all death, for both men and women. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in American men. Almost half of all U.S. adults have some form of cardiovascular disease.
Action: Get regular exercise, plenty of sleep and maintain a healthy weight. Find ways to reduce stress, lower alcohol intake and stop smoking. Keep tabs on cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, all risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
DIABETES
Fact: Nearly 20 million American men have diabetes, a condition that affects 1 in 10 people. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, limb amputation and damage to the nerves and eyes.
Action: Lifestyle changes can lower blood sugar. These include exercise, a diet rich in fiber and whole grains and a healthy body weight. Beginning at 45, have your blood sugar levels routinely checked.
RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
Fact: Lung cancer, COPD, emphysema and bronchitis are all forms of respiratory illness, which impacts 34 million Americans. A chronic cough, shortness of breath or frequent respiratory infections may be signs.
Action: A simple lung function test or chest X-ray can provide a diagnosis. The most important preventive step for respiratory health is to break the smoking habit.
DEPRESSION
Fact: Six million men suffer from depression every year, and suicide rates are almost 4 times higher for men than for women. Men are also more likely to ignore symptoms or refuse treatment.
Action: Stay active in mind, body and spirit. Look for signs such as fatigue, changes in appetite or sleeping habits, anxiety, hopelessness or a loss of interest in pleasurable activities. Reach out to a spouse or friend or make an appointment with a primary care provider.
INJURIES
Fact: Unintentional and accidental injuries are the #3 cause of death for all men in the U.S. 1 in 4 older adults fall every year, making falls the leading cause of fatal injuries among that group.
Action: Wear your seatbelt, wear a bike helmet or other protective gear as appropriate for any activity, and take more precautions as you live life, especially as you age.
VIRUSES
Fact: Viral infections come in many forms and can lead to health issues as simple as a common cold or as widespread as COVID-19. As many as 50,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. due to the flu alone.
Action: Consult your primary care provider and consider vaccines for influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), shingles and COVID-19.
OBESITY
Fact: According to the CDC, 75% of American men are considered overweight or obese, which increases the risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, digestive problems and certain cancers.
Action: Losing just 5-10% of your total body weight can significantly improve certain health conditions.