All about men’s health

Has the issue of men’s health and their role in society ever caught your attention? Men play a significant role in the world, families, and communities, but they also face specific health challenges. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving the health of men and our communities. This article encourages men and young boys to change their outlook on life and place greater importance on their health. Doing so will help men establish deeper relationships with others, experience greater happiness, and achieve their goals. Stay with porfiro for more insights.

The Current Status of Men: Global Research Findings

The suicide rate among men is 3.5 times higher than among women, and it causes a huge number of deaths.

• One in every three men has experienced domestic violence.
• Men, on average, live 4 to 5 years less compared to women.
• The risk of men getting lung cancer or experiencing heart disease is almost twice that of women.

History of International Men’s Day

International Men’s Day (Nov 19) was initiated in 1999 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a university lecturer from Trinidad and Tobago, on his father’s birthday. As of now, it is run in more than 80 nations of the world to focus on the following aspects:

• Men’s social issues, both mentally and physically.
• Men as responsible fathers.
• Men’s constructive roles in reorienting society by modelling inclusive behaviors.
• The importance of varied standpoints on manifold male identities.

International Men’s Day has been designated to promote the value of men and boys, improving their health and well-being. This day also serves as an opportunity to share, listen to, and draw inspiration from the diverse experiences of men. While men have been the dominant group in many societies, this does not mean they are free from the burdens of inequality. Acknowledging the varied experiences of men can help us better understand them.

Different Perspectives on Men’s Place in Society

Dr. Benjamin Hardy believes that the death of men will lead to the destruction of cultures. He also points out that men and boys are currently experiencing profound confusion regarding their identity and role in society. Additionally, Kai Himoowitz, author of Manning Up, describes the current state of men as follows:

“In many ancient societies, boys had to undergo certain rites of passage to become men. These stages included demonstrating courage, physical ability, or specific skills. The purpose of these rites was to ensure that men could protect their women and children, and this protective role has always been central to men’s identity in society. However, today, with women’s advancement in the economy, men no longer have to bear this role alone. Consequently, traits such as resilience, bravery, and loyalty, which men needed to fulfill their traditional roles, are becoming less emphasized.”

Several Ways to Increase Men’s Awareness of Their Health

• Men need to fully experience their emotions for growth and self-improvement. This helps them learn from their feelings and ultimately let them go. Meditation is a useful way to achieve this.
• Men should see life as it is, not as they wish it to be. Life is a journey to be enjoyed. If you only focus on the destination, you will forget to appreciate the journey.
• Dependency on external factors robs you of joy and security. To experience true happiness, you must identify the things that give your life meaning and separate them from your core values.
• Sometimes, your inner voice may differ from what others tell you. In such moments, it is important to trust your intuition. For example, if your inner voice tells you that it will rain, even when the weather report says otherwise, take your umbrella.
• Explore the world, experience new cultures, and challenge and refine your patterns.
• Occasionally, question your goals and motivations.
• Be a humble person and love others.
• Strive to live in the moment, utilizing the concept of mindfulness to help you.

It is important to note that all of these points are meaningful only when a man is well aware of his needs and body, allowing him to create a healthy life for himself. In the following sections, we will discuss aspects of men’s health and the necessity of paying attention to them.

Facts About Men’s Health

Men’s health cuts across a number of gender-based issues including testosterone production and sexual health. Most men, however, do not consider health issues as part of their priorities in life, and this is evidenced by the riskier behaviors they engage in such as consumption of alcohol, smoking, and reckless driving. These conditions are basically preventable or treatable, and it is very often observed that men visit doctors less frequently than women, leading to late diagnosis of a disease with serious complications or even death. Men can improve their health by making a few simple lifestyle changes in their diet, modifying their lifestyle, and visiting the doctor regularly.

From birth through old age, male bodies change and fluctuate with different cycles, of which a person should be well aware. During the teen years and puberty, an increasing amount of testosterone among adolescent boys makes them interested in sexual relations and engage in unsafe sexual practices.

The reason is seen in social and cultural expectations as young boys are taught to repress their emotions, and this results in a fear of talking about life changes which make men more vulnerable than women from unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide. More men die from traffic accidents relating to alcohol consumption.

Threats to Men’s Health and Prevention Strategies

The most significant physical threats to men’s health include:

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cancer
• Depression
• Risky Behaviors

Men’s Health Risks for Men Over Time

In their 20s and 30s, men are at the peak of their physical vitality, and their intellectual and logical maturity becomes more pronounced. During this period, they gradually begin to abandon the risky behaviors they engaged in prior to this age.

In their 40s and 50s, testosterone production in men’s bodies decreases. This decline leads to muscle mass loss and an increased likelihood of weight gain. The risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes also rises during this time. On average, men develop heart disease about 10 years earlier than women, with one in four male deaths attributed to heart disease.

Testosterone production in a man’s body never completely stops, but the amount secreted may decrease with age. Typically, hair loss and prostate enlargement begin between the ages of 60 and 70. In older age, men often become less active and require fewer calories. Additionally, their bodies cannot absorb nutrients at the same rate, so they must pay close attention to their diet.

Statistics on Men’s Health and Doctor Visits

Many of the illnesses that men suffer from at any age can be prevented through health screenings. According to existing statistics, men tend to avoid visiting doctors and seeking healthcare until absolutely necessary. About 38% of men admit that they only see a doctor when their condition is very serious or when their symptoms do not resolve on their own.

In a survey made by the American Academy of Family Physicians, 55% of men responded that they did not see a doctor for a physical examination in the past year, although 40% of these men have had one or more chronic diseases. This is a cause for concern because many of the common health issues among men can be prevented and treated if diagnosed early.

Early detection allows for a better possibility of treating major diseases such as heart disease and colorectal cancer. Incidentally, married men are more likely than single guys to go to see a doctor and get preventive services. The regular visit to the doctor will keep them aware of any earliest sign of disease or a condition which may be life-threatening.

Recommended Basic Screenings for Men’s Health

• Colorectal chance: Begin at 50 years. If you have a family medical history of colorectal polyps or cancer, your doctor may recommend earlier screening.
• Depression: If you don’t enjoy things, you once enjoyed or always feel sad, hopeless, anxious, or angry, talk with your doctor or a psychologist.
• Diabetes: If you have high blood pressure, you should start diabetes screening. Slightly less than all men should begin regular diabetes screening at age 45, but may start earlier if overweight or having other risk factors.
• High Blood Pressure: People with normal blood pressure should be screened at least once every two years. Those with high blood pressure, or who are at risk from heart diseases and stroke, should be checked at least once a year.
• High Cholesterol: Men aged 35 years and above are supposed to check on their cholesterol on a routine basis. Those prone to heart disease are required to start the screening process earlier.
• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer screening in men is necessary to be started from ages of 55 to 80 years along with a substantial smoking history.

Common Diseases and Their Features

Men and women can be exposed to numerous diseases, but the features of those illnesses can be different for every gender. Men are at a higher risk of having high blood pressure until age 64, while after that age, women are more likely to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can result in numerous complications including but not limited to an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, aneurysm, stroke, and kidney failure.

Most of these men who suffer from high blood pressure are also most likely to develop diabetes, which is also a condition that gives men a run for their money. The excessive sugar build-up due to diabetes results in dangerous health complications such as stroke, congestive heart failure, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease, and even nerve damage.

1. Heart Disease

This is among the top killer diseases amongst men in the United States. Each year, almost 25% of the total male deaths in the United States result from heart disease. It is estimated that about 57% of Iranian men above 40 years of age have heart disease. One of the most dreaded features of heart disease is the sudden death it inflicts on the victim.

This event usually occurs without any warning. About half of the total male deaths due to sudden heart disease never exhibit any symptom of this disease beforehand. The risk factors for the disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Other contributing factors to the disease include diabetes, obesity, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol abuse.

2. Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Iranian populations. In 2017, cancer statistics presented those men accounted for 52% of cancers, (70,000 cases – 180 per 100,000 people). Some of the common types of cancers identified to affect men include skin, prostate, lung, bladder, and colorectal.
Lung Cancer: Lung cancer causes the highest number of deaths in men due to any form of cancer. Smoking is one of the key causes of this cancer, so avoidance of tobacco or quitting smoking can prevent lung cancer to a great level.

3. Prostate Cancer

Although prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, it is seldom fatal. It is a slow-growing cancer that could have existed for years without symptoms. As such, many men are actually unaware of having prostate cancer and could die from other causes.

4. Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is another important concern among men and occurs most frequently in men between the ages of 30 and 39.

5. Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that may occur in both sexes; however, it manifests exactly alike in none. Common symptoms of depression among men include persistent fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyed. Sleep disturbances can also be present. While women attempt suicide more often, completion rates among men are three and half times more likely to result in death.78% of suicide deaths in America are made up of men.

Depression among men is usually poorly diagnosed. It is usually occasioned by a variety of factors, including the masculine social norms that make men suppress their emotions. Depression occurs among men of all ages, races, and may be occasioned by several factors, including genes, stress, and illness. However, the depressed men seeking help can easily recover.

6. Osteoporosis

Although it is more prone to attack women, that doesn’t mean men are out of its circle. Osteoporosis makes the skeletal structure weak and bones more prone to fractures. In the United States alone, millions of men have to go through this disease. Men of our country also suffer from this disease. Specialists say that 24% of Iranian men over 50 have osteoporosis, which means one out of every four men over 50 has this symptom.

Read More:

What is Osteoporosis and bone density

There is a stereotypical view about osteoporosis as a “women’s disease” just because men have bigger skeletal frameworks which start to lose their bone density later in life. With increasing lifespan, the threat of this disease has already become serious for elderly men.

This is more alarming for men over 65, since most of the mass of bones starts to degenerate at this age, and they are unable to absorb calcium as fast as before. The most vulnerable types of fractures caused by osteoporosis happen in the hip, spine, and wrist. Fractures may result in disability, and the consequences of hip fractures in men is likely to result in death as compared to women.

Following is a summary of main points to be considered regarding men’s health:

With a healthy life, men can avoid many major health problems through eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Men might be able to maintain long-term health by discussing dietary supplements with the doctor and vaccination. Yes, regular exercises, healthy eating, and a healthy lifestyle improve the overall health, but they do not avoid illness. Hence, all should consult their doctor regardless of one’s gender when symptoms of illness are felt to get appropriate treatment. Ask your doctor about vaccinations. Most men can:

• Get a flu shot every year
• Get vaccinated for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
• Get the shingles vaccine if they are over 50
• Get the pneumonia vaccine if they are over 65

To receive the most proper medical attention, you should keep your doctor updated about your present health condition and share your issues or problems with your doctor. Your doctor may have one of the best advices for your own situation.

Healthy Hints for Men’s Health

1. Be active: Do this by walking, exercising, or simply doing your chores and yard work. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
2. Eat a healthy diet: Follow a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy. Limit foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Balance your calorie intake with the calories you burn.
4. Avoid alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are considered a health risk.
5. Quit smoking: Do not smoke to save not only your health but also all the people that surround you. Keep the environment smoke-free.
6. Handle your stress: If ever depressed, do consult with your family, friends, or doctor as to proper and effective treatment.
7. Drive safely: Always use your seat belt and mind the speed limit. Be responsible on the wheel, and do not let your emotions decide anything for you.
8. Exercise your mind: Mental activities among men above the age of 60 may reduce the incidence of mental illness. This can be done by reading, solving problems, learning something new, or keeping oneself socially active.
9. Consult with your doctor about aspirin: This can prevent some men above the age of 45 from experiencing a heart attack.
10. Consult your doctor about vitamin levels: Quite precisely, supplements of calcium and vitamin D may aid men in avoiding osteoporosis.

6 Facts and Tips on Men’s Health Compared to Women’s Health

Health is an asset that involves much time and effort to acquire. But the return on investment nonetheless very much pays off as time goes by. And with our health, we shouldn’t be so slack about it. We need to give the due attention it deserves, and grab every chance we get in enhancing it. Here are six surprising facts about men’s health compared to women’s, and actions they can take to stay healthy:

1. Men have more overweight issues than women: Overweight-related health issues increase the chance of diabetes and heart disease. Even men who weigh less than women have a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes. The measurement of body mass index, or BMI, is the first step in the assessment of physical fitness. It is calculated as the weight to height squared ratio and provides an estimate of body fat. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 represents normal weight, below 18.5 underweight, and above 24.9 overweight or obesity in adults.
2. Men are twice as likely as women to experience hearing loss: Men within the age bracket of 20-69 years are likely to experience hearing loss twice as much as women do. The probable reason being their occupation and way of life. Ignoring or not treating the problems related to hearing, these only worsen. So, if one suspects that his or her hearing is poor and not what it used to be, then a doctor should be consulted. Your doctor might determine the cause and suggest that you are referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist as necessary. More often than not, physicians suggest that the regular checking of hearing should be conducted above the age of 50 years.
3. Heart disease leads the list of all causes of death among men: Although the rates of heart diseases have gone down in the last couple of years, it is still the number one killer for men. High blood pressure is usually likely to put one at a very high risk of developing heart disease. Diseases have either controllable or uncontrollable risk factors. The modifiable factors include healthy weight, good diet, and adequate physical activity, which a person is able to improve through changes in lifestyle, while the non-modifiable ones are genetic transmission, gender, and age, which are beyond the control of a person. It is recommended that one should stop smoking, avoid alcohol intake, and be active to reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure that assists in reducing the occurrence of heart diseases.
4. More men before age 55 develop high blood pressure than women: The condition high blood pressure is well known as hypertension, where the blood pressure usually remains raised above normal levels. It is unlike any other form of blood pressure in that it fluctuates during the day with activity and time of day. It can even consistently stay above 139/89 mmHg for several months, hence giving warning signs of high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure generally has no noticeable symptoms, the only way to find out if you have it is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
5. 1 man in 2 will be diagnosed with cancer in his lifetime: Men are more prone to cancer than women. The reasons for this can be genetic, lifestyle reasons, and exposition to carcinogens. One of the reasons for a higher level of cancer diseases in men could be traditional factory work when workers can be exposed to toxins and carcinogenic chemicals. The cancer examinations listed below are advisable for 45 to 50-year-old men. These include: Prostate, lung and colorectal cancers Trouble with urinating or not being able to pass urine and passing urine very frequently; there may be difficulty in swallowing; blood in your stool; unexplained weight loss.
6. Oral cancer among men is more common compared to women: Oral cancer is more prevalent in men due to the higher number of men who smoked more in the past than women. Poor dental hygiene is one of the causes of this type of cancer. Experts recommend regular flossing and brushing at least twice a day.

Now they can realize that prioritizing regular healthcare can significantly enhance their quality of life. By maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in even moderate exercise, living responsibly, and avoiding dangerous drugs and supplements, men can preserve their health for the long term and enjoy a high quality of life. The risk of developing serious illnesses should not deter one from being proactive about their health. If you are under 65 and have chronic illnesses, you should visit your doctor once a year. However, if you are a healthy adult between the ages of 25 and 64, you can see your doctor every two years. Your doctor can help you monitor your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

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