An important obstacle to improving men’s health is their apparent reluctance to consult a doctor. US research shows that men with health problems are more likely than women to have had no recent contact with a doctor regardless of income or ethnicity.

This reluctance means that men often do not seek help until a disease has progressed. Late presentations can have serious consequences. For example, deaths from melanoma are 50% higher in men than women despite a 50% lower incidence of the disease.

As we celebrate our Father’s this week, we seek to unveil most threatening and challenging disease conditions which are affecting most men around the globe and possible holistic way to handle most of them including prostate enlargement and cancer going forward.

Heart Health

Heart disease comes in many forms. All of its forms can lead to serious, fatal complications if undetected.

The American Heart Association states that more than one in three adult men have some form of cardiovascular disease. African-American men account for 100,000 more cardiovascular disease deaths than Caucasian men.

Unintentional injuries and accidents

The CDCTrusted Source lists unintentional injury as a leading cause of death for men in 2006. This includes drowning, traumatic brain injuries, and fireworks-related mishaps.

Diabetes

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to nerve and kidney damage, heart disease and stroke, and even vision problems or blindness. Men with diabetes face a risk of lower testosterone levels and sexual impotence. This can lead to increased depression or anxiety.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) celebrates today’s “modern man” as someone who is more aware of his blood sugar health.

Influenza and Pnuemonia

Influenza and pneumococcal infectionare two leading health risks for men. Men who have compromised immune systems due to COPD, diabetes, congestive heart failure, sickle cell anemia, AIDS, or cancer are more susceptible to these illnesses.

Men are about 25 percent more likely to die from these diseases than women, according to the American Lung Association.

Depression and Suicide

Researchers at The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimate that at least 6 million men suffer from depressive disorders, including suicidal thoughts, annually.

Some ways to combat depression include:

getting regular exercise, even just going for routine walks around your neighborhood
journaling or writing down your thoughts
communicating openly with friends and family
seeking professional help

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may not be your favorite topic. The good news is it’s a highly treatable condition. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious. Research is showing even mild, occasional ED can be the first sign of heart disease and diabetes.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer after skin cancer in American men. It will affect one in six men during his lifetime. Check with your doctor to see if you need prostate cancer screening. Whether you need a screening or not depends on your age, race, and family history of prostate cancer.

Many of the major health risks that men face can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, a healthy diet, not smoking, stress reduction, and alcohol. Seek professional advice on any health challenges via all our websites and social media platforms.

Happy Fathers Day

References:

Robertson, S. (2003). Men managing health. Men’s Health Journal, 2(4), 111-113.