About Men’s Health

Men’s health deals with a wide variety of gender-specific issues, from testosterone production and sexual health to aging, heart disease and other long-term illnesses. Many of these health issues can be prevented with regular doctor visits, health screenings and healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well, avoiding drugs and supplements that are dangerous or ineffective, exercise and limiting alcohol consumption.

Historically, men have been less likely than women to seek medical attention, often only visiting doctors when they are very sick or when their partners express concern. This leads to a lower rate of early diagnosis for many men’s health conditions such as cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. It also means that men may face a larger amount of long-term illness and disability, with a greater impact on their family and friends.

As they move into their 20s and 30s, men are at their physical peak, but as they enter their 40s their bodies produce testosterone at declining rates, causing them to lose muscle mass, become more prone to weight gain, and increase their risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. They are also more likely to smoke and be involved in unintentional injury accidents than women.

What Every Man Should Know About Men’s Health

The three leading causes of death for men are heart disease, cancer and unintentional injury. While these can be difficult to prevent, men can help themselves by seeking regular health care, avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. They should also be sure to use sunscreen when outside and check their bodies regularly for any changes in skin moles or other abnormalities.

Additionally, it is important for men to have a support network and a plan in place should they ever experience depression or other mental health challenges. Many men have a hard time discussing their feelings, but this is an important part of maintaining good mental health, which can in turn affect overall wellness and reduce the risk for heart disease and other chronic diseases.

Ultimately, men need to break the tough-guy stereotype and realize that seeking medical attention is not a sign of weakness but rather a way to be a responsible partner in their own health. Men should schedule their annual check-ups and visit with their doctor regularly to get screened for common conditions, such as heart disease, prostate cancer and high blood pressure. They should also eat a nutritious diet, stay physically active and avoid dangerous substances, such as illegal drugs and supplements that are ineffective or can actually cause harm. In addition, they should be sure to shop the perimeter of their grocery store where the freshest foods are located, as opposed to the processed food aisles. They should also try to make a commitment to talk about their mental health on a regular basis.