Men's Health: Know What to Look Out For

For many men, doctor visits are not a high priority. They find it difficult to schedule medical appointments with busy schedules juggling family time, work, social activities, and other obligations. Men often don't think about health concerns until they become full-blown issues, but it's much easier to prevent them if men know what to look out for. 

In this article, we will look into men's common health issues and tips on how to be healthy.

Top 9 Most Common Health Problems Among Men

Statistics show that men typically have a lower life expectancy than women. Men are susceptible to a variety of health problems, some of which can be life-threatening. Perhaps you suffer from one or more of these men's health problems without realizing it. However, knowing about it can help you make healthy lifestyle changes and protect yourself from health problems. Below are some of the common health conditions you should know about.

Coronary Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men.  Coronary heart disease occurs when fatty substances accumulate in the coronary arteries and block the heart's blood supply. Complete blockages in arteries can cause fatal heart attacks or strokes.

You are at risk for certain types of heart disease due to chronic stress, an inactive lifestyle, and poor eating habits. Others, however, are caused by congenital disabilities. Heart problems aren't limited to older men. Men under 45 often suffer from high blood pressure too. Hypertension can cause severe problems if left untreated. Schedule an appointment with a doctor right away if you experience these signs and symptoms

• chest pain
• irregular heartbeat
• persistent coughing or wheezing
• shortness of breath
• cold sweats
• swelling of the lower extremities
• fatigue or feeling tired 

Lung Diseases

Several respiratory disorders start with a persistent cough. These can progress into life-threatening illnesses such as 

• Lung cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Emphysema

Those who suffer from these disorders will have difficulty breathing normally, resulting in more health problems.

Diabetes 

Men have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women do. It has to do with the larger proportion of abdominal fat in male bodies, which is a risk factor for diabetes. Keeping a healthy weight and being physically active can help you reduce this risk. 

Having a clear understanding of your risk for prediabetes is also helpful for early intervention. A diabetes screening should start at age 45, according to the American Diabetes Association, but if it runs in your family, you should begin earlier.

Prostate Cancer

The most common type of cancer in men is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer often occurs in older men, but younger men can develop it as well, especially if they come from a family with the condition. This disease can be cured if detected early, so it is highly critical to undergo screenings.

The symptoms of prostate cancer begin to appear after the disease has progressed. Signs and symptoms include:

• hip or pelvic pain
• semen with blood 
• painful ejaculations
• weak urine flow or difficulty urinating
• blood in the urine

Skin Cancer

Men 50 years and older are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to women. The increased risk is likely due to frequent sun exposure and fewer doctor visits. Skin cancer may be treatable in its early stages, so early detection is essential. Consult your primary care provider if any of these symptoms appear, especially on your face or trunk.

• Moles that are growing or changing in size
• Brown spots with specks of dark color 
• Painful lesion
• Lesion asymmetrical in shape

If you're spending time outdoors, make sure you wear sunscreen. Use one with at least SPF 30 and reapply as necessary.

Mental Health Disorders

Undiagnosed depression is more common in men than women. Most men are indeed uncomfortable discussing mental health. Nevertheless, dealing with psychological disorders is essential as soon as you notice them. A wide range of mental illnesses affect men, such as depression and anxiety.  If you suffer from recurring feelings of irritability, hopelessness, or if you have trouble functioning every day and have suicidal thoughts, talk to your primary care provider. They can put you in touch with a therapist or other mental health expert who can help you.

Erectile Dysfunction

Male erectile dysfunction is common among older men, especially those over 75. You can reduce your risk by taking prescription medications, quitting smoking, or consuming fewer alcoholic beverages. In any case, getting your doctor to check out any symptoms is advisable. It may be a symptom of a more serious health issue, like hypertension or diabetes.

Liver Disease

The liver plays a crucial role in the digestion and detoxification of your body. According to studies, cirrhosis and alcoholic liver disease are more likely to occur in men, as they have a higher consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Furthermore, men who have unprotected sexual intercourse with men are at higher risk of viral hepatitis B.

Alcohol Abuse

According to the CDC, men are at a greater risk for alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths than women. Common reasons for death are alcohol poisoning and fatal accidents due to intoxication. Consumption of alcohol also raises the risk of developing esophageal, liver, mouth, and colon cancers. Additionally, it negatively impacts hormonal production and prostate function. Consulting with a doctor can help you determine if you have an alcohol problem. 

Take Charge of Your Health with These Tips

Your health risks increase as you age. Getting older is unavoidable, so don't shy away from a yearly physical or a trip to the doctor if you notice changes in your body. An annual check-up is a great place to address any health concerns before they become problems. Know your family's health history and have a series of screening tests done before you notice any health problems.

You should also keep in mind the adage, "Prevention is better than cure." Prevent health issues by adopting healthy habits. Follow these tips to lead a healthier lifestyle.

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber-rich foods, and lean proteins. Reduce intake of processed food, trans fat, sugar, and sodium-rich foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight and have regular exercise.
• Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water.
• Get enough sleep and avoid stress.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. When working with toxic chemicals, you need to wear protective gear such as masks, respirators, face shields, etc.
• Consume alcohol only in moderation

Be Proactive About Your Health

Men should be proactive about their health to live a long, happy life. Consult with AllMed Medical Center for all your medical needs. You can count on our expert medical providers to provide the best, most targeted care. Call or schedule an appointment today!