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By Allianz Worldwide Care | July 04, 2017
Men have higher death rates than women for all of the leading causes of death, with the exception of Alzheimer's disease.
This gender imbalance can be attributed to men’s lifestyle choices and their approach to health. The majority of smokers are male; men are more likely to drink unhealthy levels of alcohol, use illegal drugs and have a poor diet. Men are also more likely than women to be exposed to occupational health hazards, and less likely to visit their doctor, especially for mental health problems.
Men must educate themselves more on the greatest risks to their health and understand that many chronic health conditions can be prevented.
Heart or cardiovascular disease refers to conditions related to the process of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This build up narrows the arteries, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood, and potentially stopping blood flow if a clot forms.
Blocked blood vessels can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect the heart's muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease.
More men die from heart disease than women. Under age 65, three times more men than women die from heart attacks.
While many men may be unaware that they suffer from heart disease until a health incident occurs, there are red flags they should be aware of to better detect heart problems during the earliest and most treatable phases.
Possible symptoms of heart disease
• Breathlessness after moderate exercise
• Chest pain
• Tiring easily
• Pain or tingling in the upper extremities
• Fluttering in the chest
• Light-headedness or dizziness
Risk factors for heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes and prediabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Being physically inactive
• Having a family history of early heart disease
• Unhealthy diet
Heart disease is easier to treat when detected early. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of heart disease, you have a family history of heart disease or you are concerned about your heart health, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your heart disease risk.
In general men have a higher probability of developing cancer than women, and are also more likely to die from the disease. The main reasons for this gender imbalance can be attributed to lifestyle factors and men being more likely to ignore symptoms and less willing to visit their doctor.
It is vital that men make themselves aware of the symptoms of common male cancers and understand the risk factors.
• Reduced or weak urine flow
• Frequent urination
• Pain passing urine
• Blood in urine
However – most prostate cancers in early stages do not produce any symptoms at all – that’s why it is vital to follow the recommended check up routine.
• Age – risk increases with age
• Overweight and obesity
• Race – black men have a higher risk
• Family history of prostate cancer
• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Exposure to second hand smoke
• Exposure to radon gas and asbestos
• Bleeding from back passage
• Abdominal pain
• Change in bowel habits
• High red meat diet
• Low fibre diet
• High alcohol consumption
• Overweight and obesity
• Changes in size, shape or colour of moles
• Itchy mole
• Inflamed or bleeding mole
• Sun exposure
• Sunbed use
Men are twice as likely as women to die due to an accident. Though a leading cause of death for men, many unintentional injuries can be easily prevented.
• Impaired driving
• Be aware of hazards that can lead to a fall
• Have a yearly eye check
• Never drink and drive
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Install Smoke Alarms
• Ensure heating units and wiring are professionally installed
Suicide rates are four times higher for men than women, this gender imbalance can be attributed to men’s decision to use deadlier means when choosing a suicide method and their unwillingness to speak to their doctor.
Depression is one of the most important risk factors in male suicide. Unfortunately, male depression is under-diagnosed because men are less likely to seek help.
Symptoms for men at risk of suicide
• Becoming socially withdrawn
• Suffered a recent life crisis
• Personality changes
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Frequent thoughts about death
You can’t just ‘get over’ depression, it is disease which can be conquered by reaching out for some help.
• Talk to your doctor
• Talk to family and friends
• Exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep
• Don’t ignore stress – it may be hard to avoid, but it can be dealt with
• Know your limits – it is ok to ask for help
• Don’t self-medicate – don’t turn to alcohol, tobacco or drugs
Prevention is key when it comes to men’s health. Men must take time to look after themselves and be aware of lifestyle adjustments that have significant positive impacts on overall health, reduce health risk, warn about potential problems and increase longevity.
Small steps can keep men on a healthier path:
Be more physically active
Making time for physical activity is very important for overall health. Maintaining a physically active lifestyle reduces the risk associated with many physical and mental illnesses including, heart disease, diabetes and depression. Aim to be active for at least 30 minutes every day with these practical tips:
• Try cycling, jogging or walking part of the journey to work
• Always take the stairs or walk up the escalator
• Get active at lunchtime – try walking or jogging with a colleague
• Allocate some time every evening for exercise – it’s good for body and mind
Eat a healthier diet
A healthy balanced diet is essential for overall health. A main meal should consist of three-quarters vegetables, beans or grains and one-quarter meat, fish or protein, try to choose water over other beverages.
Reduce salt intake and try to avoid too many sugar rich and processed foods.
Less than 25% of men eat the recommended 5 a day. Most fruit and veg contains necessary nutrients, is low in calories and is high in fibre, ideal for maintaining or attaining a healthy weight. Aim to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg per day with these practical tips:
• Add bananas or berries to breakfast cereal
• Cook more meals from scratch
• Blend vegetables and beans to make soups and sauces
• Keep a well-stocked and easily accessible fruit bowl
Drink alcohol in moderation
A glass of wine with dinner or a pint of beer after work can become a normal part of day-to-day life.
As well as contributing to unhealthy weight gain, alcohol has been linked to several chronic diseases, including some cancers.
It’s ok to have an occasional drink, but aim to drink in moderation with these practical tips:
• Drink slowly – enjoy your drink and avoid downing it too quickly
• Drink smaller measures
• Finish a drink before topping up – helps keep track of quantity consumed
• Dilute drinks – add tonic water to spirits or lemonade to lager
• Drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks
If you smoke, stop today. Cigarette smoking damages almost every organ of the body, causes many diseases, and reduces the health of smokers in general.
On average, smokers will die 10 years earlier than non-smokers. By quitting, smokers lower their risk for smoking-related diseases and can add years to their lives.
Speak with your doctor or local smoking cessation group for advice and help on quitting.
Learn to relax
Men are more likely to avoid and ignore mental and emotional issues than women. Not dealing with stress from work, family, relationships or finances can cause or worsen physical conditions.
Men must equip themselves with healthy strategies for coping with life's ups and downs.
• Get adequate sleep every night
• Practice mindfulness
• Practice controlled breathing
• Always ask for help when needed
• Talk to your doctor or someone you trust if you find stress overwhelming
It is important that men attend regular routine check-ups with their doctor, let the doctor know if they are experiencing any changes (no matter how insignificant) and speak with the doctor about preventative tests.
Don’t put off visits to the doctor, if you are experiencing health problems or need help making healthy lifestyle changes, call your doctor today.