UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING MEN'S HEALTH ISSUES
It's a fact that no one lives forever. There will come a time when your body will wear out; just like a car, it will deteriorate at some point. But this stage in your life will depend on how you care for your body. Recognizing cues or signals from your body can avoid or minimize any issues contributing to shortening your lifespan. According to a 2023 survey by Cleveland Clinic, most men are not setting aside time to take care of their health. Most are avoiding healthy diets, health screenings, and consulting with medical professionals about stress. Men's health issues should not be taken lightly; consulting a medical expert should be a priority.
7 Common Men's Health Issues You Should Look Out For
1. Heart Disease
This disease covers everything concerning the heart and can be severe when not detected early. More than one in three adult men suffer from various forms of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. On the other hand, 100,000 African Americans die from cardiovascular disease than Caucasian men. Routine check-ups can have this avoided, plus having a healthy lifestyle.
2. Prostate Cancer
It is one of the most diagnosed cancers among Vets, consisting of 30% of new diagnoses. In fact, to better understand this trend and solve these men's health issues, the VA collaborated with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. They established the Precision Oncology Program for Cancer of the Prostate, which utilizes genetic details to create individualized remedies for Veterans with progressive prostate cancer.
3. Lung Cancer
Every year, more men are diagnosed in this category, according to the American Lung Association. Unlike other racial groups, African Americans are more prone to dying from the disease, making it one of the common men's health issues. Veterans are not safe on this as they are at risk of acquiring lung cancer due to the chances of increased smoking or exposure to highly toxic substances through their service.
4. Diabetes
A lot of people are unaware that they have the disease until they undergo testing. Diabetes is a global epidemic, with more than a billion people suffering from it. In the country, about 1 in 9 people have this condition. If it is left untreated, it can lead to stroke, heart disease, and damage to your kidneys, eyes, and nerves. With other men's health issues rising, this can be avoided by lifestyle changes or medications if you already have it, preventing the disease from progressing.
5. Skin Cancer
Most men avoid applying sunscreen protection, making them prone to skin cancer due to the sun's damaging rays. If you experience changes to your skin, such as new or larger moles, you should talk to a healthcare provider. It is also better to have a full-body skin exam by a dermatologist to determine doubtful spots. If the disease is detected early, your chances of recovery are high.
6. Colon Cancer
People younger than age 50 have seen a rise in being diagnosed with colon cancer. It is recommended to have a screening for the disease at least by age 45, but earlier testing is a must if you have a family history. Having a colonoscopy is the "gold standard" when it comes to testing and prevention.
7. Testicular Cancer
One of the most common men's health issues is testicular cancer, and now it is targeting younger generations. The disease is most seen in men ages 15 to 35 and can be cured if detected early. To look out for this disease, watch for a painless lump in your testicle. It is recommended to have at least two minutes of physical exam of your testicles once a month to check for anything uncommon.
3 Things to Consider to Prevent Men's Health Issues
1. Get Checked
Always consider visiting a professional to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, especially if you have a family history or are overweight.
2. Daily Exercise
Reserve at least 30 minutes of cardio activity five times a week. If that is impossible, do as much as possible and take it slow. Aside from maintaining a healthy weight, exercising can relieve stress and improve your mood, sleep, heart health, self-esteem, and more. Plus, don’t forget to get enough sleep.
3. Get Screened for Cancer
Most men's health issues are cancer; the earlier the detection, the better to prevent it from spreading to the body. It is also recommended that men at age 50 have a colonoscopy test for colon cancer screening; this goes the same for prostate cancer. Current and former smokers should undergo lung cancer screening. With an annual visit to your doctor and some tests, you are guaranteeing yourself that you will be okay for years to come. Finally, achieving good health as you age does not mean having a lot of maintenance medicine and doctor's appointments. It only means taking more time to care for your body and maintain your health. Suggested reads: