Top 10 Men's Health Issues Every Man Needs To Know
Do you know about the most serious men's health issues?
Unfortunately, many men don't prioritize their health and see a doctor regularly. Men are less likely than women to seek out healthcare, and they die (on average) five years earlier than women do.
Men have to take care of themselves now, so they're around to take care of their friends and family. Keep reading to learn more about the most severe health conditions that men face today, and how you can keep yourself healthy for many years to come.
The Most Serious Men's Health Issues and How to Avoid Them
A lot of men in the United States don't take care of themselves as well as they should. The good news is that many of the health problems that plague men are preventable and treatable if they're caught early.
The first step to living longer is knowing the most significant health threats and how to prevent them. Here are ten men's health issues that every man needs to know about:
1. Liver Disease
Men tend to have higher levels of tobacco and alcohol use, which puts them at an increased risk of liver disease.
Over a quarter of men report binge drinking at least five times per month. You can reduce your risk of liver problems by limiting your drug and alcohol use. Also, try to eat a clean diet full of liver-cleansing foods. These foods include garlic, green vegetables, beets, fermented foods and more. “If your drinking has become uncontrollable, learn about different treatment options that may help.
2. Alcohol Abuse
Like we mentioned above, alcohol abuse can lead to liver disease, but it also causes a wide range of other health concerns. And men are more prone to alcohol abuse than women.
One of the best things you can do for your health right now is to start limiting your alcohol intake. If you think you're struggling with any form of alcohol addiction, don't be afraid to reach out for help. There's no shame in seeking treatment, and breaking the vicious addiction cycle can save your liver and add years to your life.
Check out Alcoholics Anonymous for some helpful resources if you think your drinking might be a problem.
3. Heart Disease
Cardiovascular issues are another condition that impacts men in disproportionate numbers, and it's the number one killer of men. One in four men will die from heart disease.
While these statistics are scary, there are a lot of ways you can keep your heart healthy. Make sure you're staying active, eating healthy and avoiding drugs and alcohol. Genetics does play a role in determining your risk of heart disease, but healthy habits will help you avoid trouble.
4. Clinical Depression and Suicide
Unfortunately, there's a mental health stigma in the world that prevents people from seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Everyone experiences depression differently, but men usually report feeling tired and irritated. Suicide is also relatively common, and in 2017, almost four times more men died from suicide than women.
Men can't be afraid to reach out for help. Taking care your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you're struggling but not sure who to talk to, visit the SAMHSA website for some resources that will help you find treatment.
5. Respiratory Disease and Lung Cancer
Because men are more likely to abuse tobacco products, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases are prevalent. The American Cancer Society estimates that over a hundred thousand men will die of lung cancer in 2019, and more men than women will die of the disease.
Since more men work in industries like construction, specific occupational hazards like asbestos are also a problem. The best thing you can do is quit smoking and get a regular check-up to make sure your lungs are functioning normally.
Pollution and low air quality levels are increasingly problematic both inside and outside of the home. If you live in an area with known air pollution issues or otherwise think you may have high particulate counts in your home you should consider adding an air purifier. A high-quality HEPA air purifier is less expensive than you might think and can improve the air quality in your home (here's a great site that tests air purifiers). Bacteria, viruses, and other harmful irritants travel on the floating dust particles and other particulates within your home. If you are able to remove those from the air you'll find yourself getting sick less often
6. Fatal Injuries from Accidents
We all like to take risks once in a while, but make sure you're not putting yourself in unnecessary danger. You might think that accidents are rare but back in 2009, unintentional accidents were the third leading cause of death for men. The rate of death from accidents is also almost twice as high for men than it is for women.
7. Skin Cancer
Cancer is a leading cause of death for both genders, but skin cancer is a top killer of men in particular.
Skin cancer can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. Make sure you're always using sunscreen when you're outdoors and get to the dermatologist at least once a year for a skin check-up.
8. Strokes
Strokes are often written off as something only older people have to deal with, but they're a serious health concern for men of all ages.
The way to prevent a stroke is to develop good habits as early as possible. Exercise, eat healthily and get to the doctor as often as possible. Make sure you know the warning signs of a stroke and never delay medical treatment if you think you might be having one.
9. HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a concern for men, particularly men who have sex with other men as at this moment there is no known cure for aids. There are over 1 million people in the U.S. living with HIV, and nearly fifteen percent of them don't know they're infected.
The CDC offers a lot of different resources for people living with HIV/AIDS or those who think they might be at risk. Check out their website for a free hotline and services that will help you determine how to get help.
10. Diabetes
Diabetes rates are on the rise in the United States. Now more than 100 million adults in the U.S. are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Due to genetics, you can't always prevent diabetes but living an overall healthy lifestyle will help. Make sure you're getting enough exercise, eating as healthy as possible and quit smoking. You should also drink in moderation as alcohol is extra sugar your body doesn't need.
Learn More About Men's Health
Putting your health first isn't always easy, but it's crucial to avoid the men's health issues we discussed. Men should visit the doctor at least once a year for an annual check-up. Anything less and you could miss warning signs that something serious is happening in your body.
Make sure you check out the rest of our website for more helpful health advice. Every Thing For Dads covers every topic you need to keep yourself active and feeling great, and there are plenty of other great mens health blogs around the net like the Numankind blog..
This article on why you should do sports activities with your kids is the perfect place to get started. Staying fit should be a family affair, so it's never too early to teach your kids the importance of taking care of their physical and mental health by exercising and playing sports.