Understanding men’s health is important since men die about five years earlier than women on average. The leading causes of death for men are unintentional injuries, cancer, and heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, these leading causes of death are consistent for all men regardless of their racial or ethnic background.
Researchers, hospitals, and policymakers tend to focus less on men’s health issues, yet the ramifications of early male deaths are significant. It often leads to lower academic and eventual incomes for the children, and it can lead to financial difficulties for the family left behind.
Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are not the only issues that affect men more than women. High blood pressure and diabetes are also more likely in men. About 80% of sudden deaths due to undiagnosed heart issues are men. Many of these people never report any symptoms of heart issues until their fatal episode.
Other issues that men have a higher risk of developing include lung, colon, bladder, and liver cancer, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and suicides.
Fortunately, the risk factors and symptoms for many of the issues that affect men disproportionately are well known so they can be addressed once they have been identified. Simple changes like lifestyle changes and a more appropriate diet can help men to protect themselves from many of these issues.
Common risk factors that increase the risk of men dying prematurely include alcoholism, lack of exercise, obesity, and smoking. There are things everyone has the power to control when properly motivated.
Also, social factors can negatively impact a man’s health. Social factors like high-risk jobs, incarceration, and combat experience in the armed forces can negatively impact a man’s mental health, reducing their desire to take care of themselves, while increasing the risk of suicide.
Besides the many risk factors that add to the shorter lifespans of men, there are also barriers that prevent some men from getting the healthcare services they need. One of these is the cultural push men get from society to be tough which often leads some men to view getting treatment as a form of weakness especially if the problem seems minor.
Men are also more likely than women not to have health insurance and that can lead to not walking into a clinic for years. People with insurance are more likely to see a doctor regularly just to feel like they are getting something for the money they invest in health insurance. Men who are of a lower socioeconomic level and minorities are more likely not to have access to healthcare services they need.
A urologist helps men to deal with issues that affect their private parts like urinary difficulty, erectile dysfunction, and low sex drive. Such issues can lower a man’s confidence and negatively interfere with his romantic life. Many sexual performance issues are caused by underlying health conditions like heart disease.
Ready to be a healthier version of yourself? Call or visit our Fresno clinic to set up an appointment with us.
Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 840-0066 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
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