The experience of men in society has changed radically over the past few decades. Society is much more fluid and is characterized by shifting patterns of employment, relationship breakdowns, highly varied family structures, intense workloads sometimes contrasting with prolonged periods of unemployment and reduced leisure time (for some). The role of men has changed just as rapidly.
It has been argued that simply being male is bad for your health. Men tend to participate in occupations sports and pastimes that are far riskier than those of women and the ramifications tend to show in terms of trauma and psychological distress. Men still show great reluctance in seeking help for physical or psychological problems or for participating in screening programs unless a requirement of the job. Men are also more likely to take drugs and get involved in violent and criminal activities. Men also die earlier than women yet the differences vary from country to country and it is not necessarily clear why this should be the case.
So it is the everyday lives of men that dictates what men's health is about. In this context men's experiences at work, at home, as lover's, father's, student's, grandfathers, sportsmen, etc., are not only relevant but vital in building a more complete picture about how we men tick and how to optimize our time on the planet by keeping fit and staying healthy.
Health Priorities
Because of the obvious physiological differences to women, men have different health concerns. However not all differences are related simply to below-the-belt issues and in some cases women are catching up with men (e.g. heart disease). Listed below are some of the main health concerns for men. The list is by no means definitive and is not intended to overlook or diminish issues such as hair loss, acne, penis size or any of the other genuine concerns of men. These priorities are listed in terms of threats to life and well-being as well as the associated psychological trauma (e.g. loss of employment, relationship breakdown etc) that can accompany them:
Heart Disease
Universally, health specialists cite heart disease as the number 1 health threat for men. According to the American Heart Association, men have a greater risk of heart disease and have heart attacks much earlier in life than women. Roughly 300,000 men in the United States will die each year as a result of heart disease.To help prevent heart disease, stop smoking, eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grain products, exercise, control blood pressure and stress. Cut back on fat and cholesterol, and maintain an ideal body weight.
Suggested Screening (routine physical)
Cancer
Roughly 90 per cent of deaths by cancer are related to smoking. This makes cancer one of the most avoidable diseases. Of the remaining cancers, prostate cancer accounts for over 30,000 deaths a year in men, with black men suffering twice the mortality rate than white men. Cancer is thought to relate significantly to environmental factors such as diet, exposure to sun, alcohol intake and smoking.
Suggested Screening
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is both a sign and a symptom of problems. Smoking, stress and obesity all put a strain on the circulatory system. Poor diet can help in the build-up of artherosclerosis (fatty build up) and almost 80 per cent of strokes are caused as a result. Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the 4th highest cause of death for men in the United States.
Suggested Screening for blood pressure
