Seven preventable diseases and conditions are responsible for the deaths of most American men. They are heart disease, cancer, car accidents, chronic lung disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and suicide. These are not exclusive to men, but men are particularly vulnerable to these health issues.
In general, you can prevent many health problems by not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate exercise and keeping fit. In fact, it’s never too late to get the health benefits of quitting smoking; similarly, even a little exercise can be of some help. In addition, here are some specific things you can do about each of these threats:
- Heart disease. Pay close attention to your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. If you have high cholesterol or hypertension, follow your doctor’s advice for managing it. High cholesterol is a risk factor, but it doesn’t have to be a death sentence. Doing what you can to avoid stress is also important.
- Cancer. If you’re over 50, get tested regularly for prostate and colorectal cancer. If you have risk factors for those cancers, ask your doctor about getting tested even younger. Protecting yourself from the sun is important for avoiding skin cancer. Also, don’t forget that men can get breast cancer too.
- Car accidents. You already know not to drive drunk or otherwise impaired. However, you need to be aware that some prescription medications can have similar effects, and driving tired or stressed can be equally dangerous.
- Lung disease. Chronic lung disease can be triggered by acute infections. You can avoid these by washing your hands regularly and getting your annual flu shot. Also, try to avoid pollutants in the air.
- Stroke. This is another condition that can be prevented by keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure to healthy levels. In addition, try to drink alcohol only in moderation; alcohol can raise your risk of stroke.
- Diabetes. Being overweight substantially raises your risk of type 2 diabetes. You can lower it by eating a healthy diet and making sure to get plenty of exercise.
- Suicide. If you’re having depressive symptoms or thinking about harming yourself, there’s no shame in seeking help. If you can’t or don’t want to see a professional, find a trusted friend or family member you can talk to.
By leading a healthy lifestyle and following these tips, you can reduce your risk of the major health risks facing men. Talk to your doctor about how you can best protect your health.