The average life expectancy for men is six years less than women. Below are a few issues that men are diagnosed with or die from each year. Together, we can raise awareness on these men’s health issues and prevent men from passing away prematurely.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Men are less likely to receive treatment for mental health than women, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). It is estimated that at least six million men suffer from mental illness each year. According to Sparrow Health System, a man dies by suicide each minute of every day, globally.
Depression is hard to fight because the disease can lower motivation and concern for one’s own health. A few ways to help fight depression are exercising regularly, keeping a journal, communicating with friends and family, and professional help or medical treatment.
Suicide Prevention Guidelines
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Call 911 if you think someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else.
Prostate and Testicular Cancer
In the United States, one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer men get diagnosed with after skin cancer. It can be treated successfully, and early detection is key. If you want to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, detection, and treatment, please visit cancer.org/prostate-cancer.
Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men in the United States. It is highly treatable if it diagnosed early. To learn more about testicular cancer, please visit cancer.org/cancer/testicular-cancer.
Diabetes
More than 34 million Americans have diabetes and one in five of them don’t know they have it, according to the CDC. This preventable and controllable disease can lead to nerve and kidney damage if it goes untreated. It can also lead to heart disease, blindness, and stroke. Men who have been diagnosed with diabetes may experience low testosterone levels or sexual dysfunction.
Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce your risk of diabetes. You should see your doctor if you have a family history of this disease.
Cardiovascular
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. About 2.8 million men experience a stroke each year and hypertension, or high blood pressure, is occurring more frequently in younger men.
To prevent yourself from possibly being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease in the future, you should have regular medical visits to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health.
Whether or not you have a family history of one or more of these issues, you could still be at risk. Regular doctor visits and living a healthy lifestyle are essential to help prevent these diseases. At Rutherford’s Best Doctors, we can help connect you to the right medical professional in Rutherford County. Give us a call at (615) 869-0030 for more information!
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