Physical and mental health is important for both men and women. With all the choices we make, health risks are involved. Some health issues to watch out for are high blood pressure, skin cancer, respiratory diseases, coronary heart disease, and liver disease. The risk factor that tops them all is a heart attack. Learn the top 5 health issues adult men endure and treatments that can help everyone.

What are the top 5 health issues?

Men’s health is often something that is neglected. This can be for various reasons, but the most common one is that men do not want to go to the doctor. Men think they are invincible and do not need to take care of their health. However, this is not true. Men face many health risks, and it is important to be aware of them.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Every year, about one in four male deaths are caused by heart disease, and poor health is a great factor in this chronic disease.

There are many risk factors for heart disease, some of which can be controlled and others that cannot. Major controllable risk factors include smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Poor diet and lack of exercise are also contributing factors. Genetics also affects heart disease risk, as does family history. Men with a father or brother with cardiovascular disease are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Age is another major factor – as men get older, their risk for heart disease increases.

Symptoms of heart disease can vary from person to person, and they may not experience any symptoms at all, or they may only have mild symptoms that come and go. However, some men experience more severe symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away.

There are many different treatments for heart disease, depending on the individual case. Some men may require lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and eating a healthier diet, and others may need medication to control their blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to open blocked arteries or repair damaged heart tissue.

No matter what treatment is necessary, it is important to take action as soon as possible to improve your chances of a successful outcome. Heart disease is a serious condition, but it can also be managed with your doctor’s help. If you are concerned about your risk for heart disease, make an appointment to see your doctor and discuss your options for treatment.

Stroke

A few health conditions are more common in men than women, and strokes are one of them. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced. This can happen if a clot or block bursts a blood vessel. When this happens, the affected area of the brain can’t get the oxygen it needs, so it starts to die.

Symptoms of a stroke can include:

• Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg (usually on one side of your body)
• Confusion or trouble speaking
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance or coordination

The sooner men get medical treatment, the better their chances of recovery. Treatments available can help minimize the damage from a stroke, but they need to be given within a few hours of the first symptoms.

Suicide

Suicide is a major health concern for men. In the United States, suicide is the seventh cause of death for men. Suicide rates are higher for men than women, and the gap between the sexes has increased over time.

Mental health is a significant factor in suicide risk, and treatments such as therapy can help reduce the risk of suicide. Therapy can provide support, coping skills, and problem-solving strategies, and it can also help people understand and manage their feelings.

Other steps can be taken to reduce the risk of suicide. These include reducing access to lethal means, increasing social connectedness, and promoting positive mental health and well-being. Many things can be done to promote positive mental health and well-being. These include exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and spending time with friends and family.

If you or someone you know is in danger of harming themselves, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8225). This hotline provides 24/7 free, confidential support for people in distress. You are not alone.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men. It is a major health concern for men, as it is the main cause of death from cancer in men. Many different treatments can be provided for prostate cancer, depending on the stage of the disease. The earlier it is caught, the better the chances are for a successful treatment. There are many different risk factors for prostate cancer, including age, family history, and race. African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are also at a higher risk. Many things can be done to lower your risk of developing prostate cancer, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting regular screenings. If you are concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men, and it is the second most common cause of death from cancer in men, after prostate cancer. Lung cancer is a major health concern for men because it is so difficult to treat, and the average five-year survival rate for lung cancer patients is only 16 percent.

There are several reasons why lung cancer is such a major health concern for men. First, smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, and men are more likely than women to smoke cigarettes, and smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Second, lung cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage than other types of cancers, which makes it more difficult to treat effectively. Third, lung cancer is resistant to many common chemotherapy drugs.

Fortunately, there are treatments available for lung cancer patients. Surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies are all options that can be considered depending on the individual case. Clinical trials are also a possibility for some patients. It is important for men to be aware of the risks of lung cancer and to talk to their doctor about any concerns they may have. Taking steps to live a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.

While smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, poor diet and physical inactivity are close seconds. Men who want to reduce their risk of developing lung cancer can start by quitting smoking and making healthier choices.

Key Takeaways About Health Problems

Men’s health issues would have fewer risks if they talked to their primary care provider. Physical exams and a blood test are required to ensure they are in good health. It is also important for younger men to seek better health that includes regular exercise and less substance abuse to ensure they live long, healthy lives. Research shows that physical activity and a change in lifestyle choices are one of the main ways to combat the most common health issues. 

Index Health is a healthcare team specialized in personalization & the root cause. Our multi-disciplinary care team is made up of physicians and nutritionists that are trained and certified in (functional) root cause medicine.