Life expectancy for American men is nearly six years shorter than that of women. That fact underscores the need for June’s month-long focus on men’s health awareness, a ThedaCare health care expert said.
Men’s Health Month offers a reminder for men to prioritize their health and well-being. It’s also a call to those in men’s lives to help them encourage the men to take positive steps for health, said Dr. Andrew Dunn, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Neenah.
“When it comes to health risks, men often can face greater challenges in some areas,” Dr. Dunn said. “The good news is that men can take many positive steps to help protect and improve their health long-term.”
Dr. Dunn shared some of the biggest health risks men face and advice for avoiding them.
Heart Disease
It 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 also plays a big part in heart disease risk.
Dr. Dunn encouraged men to adopt heart-healthy habits and know their family history so they can discuss it with their health care team.
Cancer
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.
“Know and discuss your risk factors and family history, follow cancer screening guidelines, and watch for and address any changes in your health,” Dr. Dunn said. “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.”
Smoking
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 (CDC).
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking also may cause other kinds of cancers.
“This one is pretty straightforward: If you smoke, then quit, and if you don’t smoke, then don’t start,” Dr. Dunn said. “Smoking has one of the most dramatic impacts on health and the benefits of quitting are equally profound. You may add 10 years or more to your life after quitting. 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
In the short term, excessive drinking may increase a person’s chances of motor vehicle crashes, violence, overdose and sexually transmitted infections. In the long term, it ups risk for diseases like cancer, heart disease, liver disease and stroke. The CDC recommends men drink no more than two standard drinks per day and no more than 14 in a week.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Sedentary lifestyles may help increase the prevalence of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Guys and gals are encouraged to log at least 150 minutes each week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking or slow biking. Alternatively, it’s recommended people get 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity such as running, hiking uphill or swimming.
Weight
Being overweight or obese may contribute to health issues, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancers. More than a third of American men are overweight, about 43% are obese and about 7% are severely obese. A healthy diet and exercise can help but many people need additional resources.
“We have several tools for helping people lose weight to get healthier,” Dr. Dunn said. “Talk with your provider about your goals and what options might be available to you.”
Mental Health
It’s important to learn to manage stress, foster healthy connections, avoid substance use and seek help when needed. A primary care provider is a great place to start.
“Understand that you’re not alone,” Dr. Dunn said. “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.”
A primary care provider is an excellent first place to turn for help with any of the previously mentioned health concerns. They’re there to listen without judgment and to help track and manage any health issues. If specialist care is needed, they also can make referrals.
“Often, the first step of seeking care for physical or mental health concerns is the toughest to take,” Dr. Dunn said. “We encourage all men to take that first step and to prioritize their health and well-being.”
