Life expectancy for American men is nearly six years shorter than that of women. At the same time, studies show that men are less likely to stay on top of routine wellness visits and screenings. It’s a perilous combination that can put men at risk for negative health outcomes.
Men’s Health Month each June offers an important reminder for men to prioritize their health and well-being. And we can all encourage the men — and boys — in our lives to take positive steps for their health.
Men’s Top Health Risks
“When it comes to health risks, men often can face greater challenges in some areas,” says Dr. Andrew Dunn, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Neenah. “The good news is that men can take many positive steps to help protect and improve their health long-term.”
Here, Dr. Dunn discusses some of the biggest health risks men face and how to avoid them.
Heart Disease
The issue: Heart disease remains the top cause of death for men — and women. Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and being overweight. Family history, a factor beyond people’s control, also plays a big part in heart disease risk.
The healthy steps: “Adopt heart-healthy habits, and make sure you know your family history — and discuss it with your health care team,” Dr. Dunn says.
Cancer
The issue: After skin cancer, the most common cancers in men are prostate, colorectal, lung, and testicular. Cancer risk increases with age, but people younger than 50 increasingly are diagnosed with some form of the disease.
The healthy steps: Know and discuss your risk factors and family history, follow cancer screening guidelines, and watch for and address any changes in your health.
“Also strive to adopt overall healthy lifestyle habits, including refraining from smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating a healthy diet, staying active, prioritizing sleep, and managing stress,” Dr. Dunn says.
Smoking
The issue: Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke exposure are the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and disability in the United States. They cause more than 480,000 deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking also can cause other kinds of cancers.
The healthy steps: “This one is pretty straightforward: If you smoke, then quit, and if you don’t smoke, then don’t start,” Dr. Dunn says. “Smoking has one of the most dramatic impacts on health, and the benefits of quitting are equally profound. You can add 10 years or more to your life after quitting.”
Remember, it’s never too late to stop smoking, and you’ll reap benefits as soon as you quit. If you have trouble quitting, your primary care provider can direct you to resources that can help.
Alcohol Use
The issue: In the short term, excessive drinking can increase your chances of motor vehicle crashes, violence, overdose, and sexually transmitted infections. In the long term, it ups risk for many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and stroke. It also can lead to weight gain, depression, memory problems, and relationship challenges.
The healthy steps: The CDC recommends men drink no more than two standard drinks per day, and no more than 14 in a week. Less is better. Experts increasingly recommend reducing alcohol intake or abstaining altogether.
If you have trouble managing or reducing your alcohol consumption, talk to your primary care provider about options that can help.
Sedentary Lifestyle
The issue: As our workplaces and homes have grown more tech-oriented, people have been spending more time sitting. Sedentary lifestyles increase the prevalence of health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
The healthy steps: Strive for at least 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking or slow biking. Alternatively, get 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity such as running, hiking uphill, or swimming. Try to work in at least two days a week of strength training as well. Talk to your health care provider before starting any new activity.
“The key is finding an activity that you enjoy doing and will do consistently,” Dr. Dunn says. “For extra motivation and accountability, consider exercising with a friend or joining a class.”
Weight
The issue: Overweight and obesity contribute to many health problems and diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancers, as well as fertility and sexual function problems. More than a third of American men are overweight, about 43% are obese, and about 7% are severely obese.
The healthy steps: A healthy diet and exercise are always a good place to start, but many people need additional help. “We have several tools for helping people lose weight to get healthier,” Dr. Dunn says. “Talk with your provider about your goals and what options might be available to you.”
Suicide
The issue: Men die by suicide at a rate four times that of women. Though women are likelier than men to attempt suicide, men tend to choose a more lethal means and die at much higher rates.
The healthy steps: Manage stress, try to foster healthy connections, avoid substance use, and above all seek help if you need it. Your primary care provider is a great place to start. They can rule out or treat any physical causes. They also can refer you to counseling services to help you cope with stressors and manage your mental wellness.
“Understand that you’re not alone,” Dr. Dunn says. “Men often are taught to hide their feelings or that anger is the only acceptable emotion, and they certainly are not taught to ask for help.”
Help is Here
Your primary care provider is an excellent first place to turn for help with any of the above health concerns. They’re there to listen without judgment and to help you track and manage any health issues. If you need specialist care, they can also make any needed referrals.
“Often, the first step of seeking care for physical or mental health concerns is the toughest to take,” Dr. Dunn says. “We encourage all men to take that first step and to prioritize their health and well-being.”
