Top 6 Health Issues Facing Today’s Man By Rona Cherry l Health Tips for Man l Living Healthy l Wellness l Live Better l Health Tips for Men l Healthy Living Types for Men l Health Advice for Men l Health Issues Concerning Men

We all know that women live longer than men. A female born today can expect to live about 81 years—about five years longer than a male. While the reasons are partly biological, men simply don’t take care of themselves as well as women do. Some 55 percent of American men haven’t seen a doctor in the past year, and they make half as many doctor visits for prevention as women. “A lot of men think going to the doctor is just one more thing on a seemingly endless ‘to do’ list,” says Kevin Polsley, M.D., assistant professor, Department of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. “But to get all those other ‘to dos’ done men need to start thinking about their health and make it a priority.” Here, six of the top health issues facing men and some easy-to-follow prevention strategies.

Heart Disease

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all Americans, with one in four men dying from some form of the disease. Generally, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases significantly after age 45. The risk also increases if there’s a family history of heart disease, you have high LDL cholesterol, are overweight, inactive, or smoke. To lower the risk of heart disease, try to get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a day. It doesn’t have to be all at once. A brisk walk, housecleaning, light weight-lifting, dancing, doing yard work all counts. Plus avoid saturated fats, and eat a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat foods. Have regular physical exams and tell your doctor about all symptoms—even if they might not seem heart connected. Sometimes depression and erectile problems can be caused by cardiovascular disease.

Colorectal Cancer

Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. But early screening helps detect precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or the rectum—so they can be removed before becoming cancerous. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. That’s why every person at least 50 years old, or earlier if there is a family history, should get a colonoscopy. To prevent colorectal cancer, integrative oncology pioneer Mitchell Gaynor, M.D., author of “The Gene Therapy Plan: Taking Control of Your Genetic Destiny with Diet and Lifestyle” (Viking, 2015) says a healthy lifestyle is key. In addition, he suggests a probiotic “for your gut health,” avoid refined sugar, less red meat, more whole grains and high-fiber foods, cooked tomatoes (rich in the nutrient lycopene), and CLA, a good fat found in low-fat cheese and yogurt.

High Blood Pressure

When an individual’s blood pressure is high, it means the heart is working overtime to pump blood throughout the body. Not only does that put a strain on the heart and blood vessels, but it increases the risk of damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes and other organs, as well as upping the possibility of a heart attack or stroke. Since high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms, millions can have it for years without knowing their levels are too high. “Family history and obesity are two of the leading causes of high blood pressure, says Dr. Polsley. To decrease your risk of developing the disease, stay at a healthy weight, eat fewer processed foods high in sodium (frozen dinners, potato chips, bacon), don’t smoke, and reduce stress (to relax, try meditation, prayer, deep breathing, listening to music). Talk to a doctor about what lifestyle changes are best for you.

Diabetes

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Diabetes usually starts quietly, with no symptoms. In fact, millions of people have pre-diabetes—their blood sugar level is higher than it should be, but not high enough to be full-blown diabetes—and not even know it. But as men age, blood sugar levels creep up and can lead to complications such as strokes, blindness, painful nerve damage, kidney failure, foot damage (which can lead to amputations), even dementia. Those with diabetes are also up to four times more likely to develop heart disease. A simple blood test can reveal whether an individual’s sugar levels put them at risk for diabetes. If so, a healthy diet combined with exercise can help to alter the course of the problem before diabetes sets in and medications may be necessary.

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland behind the penis that secretes fluid important for ejaculation. The risk of this extremely common cancer increases for men age 40 or over and African-American males. In its earliest stages there are no apparent symptoms. However as it progresses, there may be a frequent need to urinate, especially at night, pain while urinating, or difficulty urinating, If so, talk with a doctor about all medications you are taking; some may be contributing to the problem. Or, you might have an infection or an enlarged prostate. Even if it is prostate cancer, the disease often grows slowly. See your doctor to discuss treatment options and overall risk. For prevention: maintain a healthy weight, follow a low-fat diet that limits high-fat dairy products and processed meats, be physically active and don’t smoke.

Depression

More than 6 million men in the U.S. struggle with depression every year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Depression isn’t just the blues, a rough patch, sadness. Rather, it is a serious condition that affects an individual’s whole body and overall health. Energy, sleep, appetite, are affected, but men who are depressed often suppress their feelings, reports the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Instead, men with untreated depression can experience issues like aggression, anger, irritability or substance abuse. They may use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. Untreated depression can also have tragic consequences since men are four times more likely to die of suicide than women, according to the NAMI. Treatment such as a combination of talk therapy and medication often work wonders so talk to a doctor. “With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, most people recover,” says the NIMH. “Hope for the future returns.”