5 men’s health risks you shouldn’t ignore

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This adage applies to several of the causes of death for men. Many of these health risks are preventable or treatable if found early. By being aware of what these risks are, men can take steps to protect their health.

Here are five of the top risks to men’s health.

Heart disease

Cardiac or heart disease is a leading killer of both men and women, but almost twice as many men die from diseases affecting the cardiovascular system than women.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in four men have varying degrees of heart disease. Controlling high blood pressure, losing extra pounds and becoming more active are just a few steps that can help prevent or treat heart disease.

Stroke

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States with the incidence rate being 1.25 times greater in men than women. The biggest risk factor for suffering a stroke is high blood pressure. This is a dangerous condition since a person can have high blood pressure for years without experiencing any symptoms. The only way to really know if you have high blood pressure is to have a medical professional measure your blood pressure. If discovered early, steps can be taken to control blood pressure with medications and life style changes.

Mental illness

For a variety of reasons, men are less likely to openly show the typical emotions connected to depression. This makes it harder to others to recognize it and encourage men to get help. The end result is that men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. The way men react to  depression can take many unusual forms including anger, aggression, risk-taking or substance or alcohol abuse. It is important that men seek help if they begin experiencing unusual behaviors. It is also important for loved ones to recognize the signs of depression in men and assist them in finding help.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in both men and women. One in 14 men will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime according to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America. Only 16 out of 100 men with lung cancer will survive five years but that number changes to 55 out of 100 if the cancer is detected in its early stages. Since tobacco products are responsible for 90% of lung cancer, stopping smoking is an important way to reduce risk. Other risk factors for lung cancer include exposure to secondhand smoke or other pollutants.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading type of cancer death in men. While treatable its early stages, prostate cancer is challenging to detect. Men may experience no symptoms until the cancer spreads to other parts of the body. The American Cancer Society recommends that all men be screened annually for the cancer starting at age 50.

Making health a priority

Taking health care seriously at all points in life is important but it becomes even more crucial following a stay in the hospital for a serious medical event. Taking steps to get the best care during recovery can mean a faster and more effective journey back to an active lifestyle. Trying to bravely face medical challenges on your own may not be the wisest decision. For many, the best choice is to recover in a well-respected short-term care facility like Glenview Terrace where top therapists deliver one-on-one physical, occupational and speech therapies seven days a week with impressive outcomes. Glenview Terrace also provides 24-hour nursing care in an elegant setting that exceeds expectations.

At Glenview Terrace, the focus is always to help get you back to the independent lifestyle you desire. Focusing on healthcare excellence and safety, Glenview Terrace provides the latest infection-control precautions, including routine COVID-19 testing and monitoring. Glenview Terrace is also ranked among the top 1% of all Illinois post-hospital rehabilitation and nursing care centers by Newsweek — and has received Medicare’s highest five-star rating. Glenview Terrace has also earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval certification for post-hospital and post-surgical care. For additional information or to arrange a personalized virtual tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.