Several factors affect men’s health, especially as we age. But did you know you can take action to reduce or prevent many of the health risks men face?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the top 10 leading causes of death in men in the US are from the following:
- Heart disease – 24.6%
- Cancer – 23.5%
- Unintentional injuries – 6.3%
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases – 5.4%
- Stroke – 4.1%
- Diabetes – 3.1%
- Suicide – 2.5%
- Influenza and pneumonia – 2.1%
- Alzheimer’s disease – 2.0%
- Chronic liver disease – 1.8% [1]
Based on this information, almost half (48.1%) of men die from heart disease and cancer. The good news is that you can take steps to reduce these risks.
Heart disease
Let’s start with heart disease. Changes in your diet and activity levels are some of the best ways to improve your heart health. Add more fruits and vegetables, and limit high-calorie foods and drinks, including those that contain elevated levels of sugar, salt, and fat. [2]
You also need to move more. Introduce an exercise program or schedule that works on your level. No need to overdo things right off the bat. Start slow then work your way up. The CDC suggests adults need 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. [2] So spread it out. Try 50 minutes of exercise three times per week. Walk, jog, play a game of basketball. Do whatever sounds fun, just be consistent. Regular exercise will have a dramatic effect on your overall health and wellness.
Cancer
Cancer can come in many forms, but according to the American Cancer Society, the cancers that men most frequently contract include:
- Prostate
- Colon
- Lung
- Skin cancers. [3]
The good news is that early screenings and examinations can catch cancer early, giving you a better shot at beating the disease.
The CDC put together a great “Cheat Sheet” that tells you when you should get screened for certain cancers. Take this with you to your next doctor appointment here at Horizon Family Medical Group. Your physician here can help you schedule appropriate screenings, and discuss other conditions or diseases that apply to you.
RESOURCES
- https://www.cdc.gov/men/lcod/2013/index.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw/index.htm
- http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/menshealth/cancer-facts-for-men
- http://blogs.cdc.gov/cancer/files/2016/06/cheat-sheet-mens-cancer-screenings.pdf