5 Health Concerns All Men Should Be Aware Of
Dear Men,
June is the month we celebrate Father’s Day and recognize men’s health. So, let’s talk about your health because sadly statistics show that you do not go to the doctor as often as women, have higher suicide rates, and skip more recommended health screenings. While you may have been able to get away with ignoring the doctors’ office in your 20’s and 30’s, as you enter your 40’s it becomes more vital to take charge of your health. Here are 5 health concerns you need to be aware of, get screened for, and/or get help for today:
1. High Cholesterol – the body needs some cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol is a major cause of heart disease. While you might think your living a healthy lifestyle, know that high cholesterol can be inherited, has no symptoms, and can only be detected through a blood test.
2. Heart Disease - according to The Heart Foundation, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Heart disease prevention includes controlling your blood pressure, lowering your cholesterol, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. Do you have risk factors? Do you have the signs of heart disease? One way to know for sure is to visit your healthcare provider regularly and request screening tests.
3. Obesity – the CDC estimates that 93.3 million US adults are obese. Middle age has been linked to increased weight gain and obesity increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
4. Stress - According to the American Institute of Stress, 77% percent of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress and 73% experience psychological symptoms. Stress can lead to debilitating symptoms including fatigue, headache, anger, irritability, and depression.
5. Depression –The American Psychological Association found an estimated 9 percent of men in the US have feelings of depression or anxiety each day, and 30.6 percent of men experience a period of depression during their lifetime. This is a big deal because depression is a major contributing factor in suicide and statistics show the rate of suicide is highest in middle-age men.