June is Men’s Health Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness of the importance of men’s health and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases.
There are common health issues that men face and key risk factors associated with them, says Dr. Wayne Meyer, internist and medical director for Adventist Medical Group –
Primary Care, with offices in Montgomery County.
No. 1 on the list is cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke, he says. About one in four men die of heart diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There are gender differences in coronary heart disease. “Men tend to have a risk of heart disease 10 years earlier than women,” Meyer says.
There are several symptoms to watch for. “Don’t ignore chest pain, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath or sudden lightheadedness,” Meyer says. “You may need immediate medical attention.”
Meyer recommends preventative screenings that become more important as men age. Screenings can detect heart and vascular issues early. They include a simple blood test to measure blood glucose and cholesterol and blood pressure monitoring. Insurance typically covers routine physicals that include preventative screenings.
“The biggest issue that the physician would have for men has more to do with making sure they’re trying to eat relatively well, exercising, not smoking and keeping weight under control.
Exercise produces the greatest benefit for preventing and managing heart disease, Meyer says. Engaging in physical activity can strengthen your heart muscle, potentially enabling you to be more active without experiencing chest pain or other symptoms. Additionally, exercise can contribute to reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Meyer recommends finding “an exercise you like to do that can keep your health in line.”
High cholesterol, which can increase the risk of serious conditions like heart attack and stroke, can effectively be controlled with proper diet, exercise and medication. Meyer recommends periodic checking as early as your 30s.
Family history impacts men’s health risks. “If there is a family history of heart attack and stroke, you are wanting to watch much earlier, certainly at age 40.”
Men’s shorter life expectancy compared to women is partly attributed to health behaviors. This disparity has grown, with men now anticipated to live an average of five years less than women.
All men are at risk for prostate cancer. Roughly one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, with a fatality rate of one in 39. By age 80, about 80% of men will have cancerous cells detected in their prostate.
The time to start screening for prostate cancer depends on your family history and genetic background. The rule of thumb is to start screening at age 50, but sometimes age 40 if there is a family history of the disease, Meyer says.
African American men are more likely to get prostate cancer so getting checked at age 40 is recommended by doctors.
Colorectal cancer exhibits a strong correlation with gender, leading to significantly higher mortality rates in males compared to females.
Men have a rate 30% higher than women for colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. By 40, men with a family history, should be screened for colon cancer, Meyer says. For most others, the recommendation to start is age 45.
Although smoking is in decline, Meyer says that many men who smoke don’t want to admit it to a doctor. The bulk of lung cancer is related to smoking, he says. Drugs and alcohol can cause issues ranging from lung and heart disease to liver problems. So be honest with your doctor.
Mental health is often overlooked by men. A significant number, 30%, according to the American Psychological Association, face challenges with their mental health and the stigma associated with it.
They have experienced depression in their lives. Men’s reluctance to seek assistance could be exacerbating this problem.
“Men who are happily married live longer than men that were not happily married,” Meyer says. “Also, I find that having a job that one likes is very important. Stress makes everything worse. If you’re feeling positive, you’re more likely to do the things you’re supposed to do to maintain your health and longevity.”
Many men just go to the doctor only when they have a serious health issue and never go for routine checkups.
“It has more to do with the macho of being a man,” Meyer says. “It’s like you’re not supposed to show any weakness. So, you just suck it up and deal with it.”
It’s important for men to prioritize their health and well being by seeking regular checkups and addressing any health concerns promptly, rather than dismissing them due to societal expectations of toughness and stoicism, Meyer says.
By taking proactive steps to care for their health, men can improve their quality of life and potentially prevent more serious health issues in the long run.
