Men are traditionally seen as the stronger sex, but statistically, women tend to outlive men.
Even in terms of how they get sick, men seem to have gender-specific health concerns to worry about. This is mostly due to a variety of biological, social, and behavioral factors which uniquely address men’s health.
Such factors can include:
- Stress
- Risky behavior such as drugs, alcohol and smoking
- Poorer support networks
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Inadequate sleep
By taking into account all these factors, one can identify a set of common men’s health issues that many men in the US can face throughout their lives.
The Most Common Health Issues Affecting Men
- Heart disease
One in every 4 men’s deaths in the US is caused by heart disease, making it the leading cause of death in the country according to the CDC.
Apart from family history, many risk factors that can lead to heart disease are linked to lifestyles, such as a diet high in cholesterol, lack of physical activity, or smoking.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is another condition that seems to be more common in men, with the CDC estimating that around 37.4% of men suffer from it, while around 29.2% of women have diabetes.
Untreated diabetes in men can lead to further men’s health concerns, such as erectile dysfunctions, nerve damage, as well as kidney or vision troubles.
- Prostate cancer
It’s the most common type of cancer found in men, and the second leading type of cancer death after lung cancer. If found in the early stages, prostate cancer can be successfully treated, but it is very difficult to detect in the beginning as it doesn’t show symptoms until it spreads to different parts of the body.
It’s why it’s incredibly important for men to get routine prostate check-ups to detect this type of cancer in its early stages.
- Depression & suicide
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US, with men having a suicide rate roughly 3.5 times higher than women.
Men are also more likely not to seek help when they are experiencing mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety, which raise the risk of suicide tremendously. Given the stigma around mental health issues, especially when it comes to men, it’s incredibly important to reduce the preconceptions around mental health and make treatment more accessible for those who need it.
- Stroke
Strokes are the 5th leading cause of death for US men, and it kills as many men a year as prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s combined. A major risk factor for strokes is high blood pressure, with the CDC estimates that nearly half of the US male population is struggling with it.
denova’ Integrated Approach to Healthcare
At denova, we believe an integrated approach to healthcare is one of the best ways to promote long-term health and ensure the wellbeing of all our patients.
Your health is dependent on many elements, from your behavior to your socioeconomic profile, and even where you live. By taking a collaborative approach to your health and working with a team of specialists, you can access a ‘whole person’ approach to healthcare, and take care of both your mind and your body.
If you are in need of top-notch care to address any of these men’s health issues, we at denova can assist you with primary care, behavioral health, counseling, and even addiction treatment.
If you want to learn more about how denova can help, please reach out to us online or call our office directly at 602-230-7373.
