This week is Men’s Health Week, a time when we take a moment to think about the men in our lives and the health issues that may be affecting them. Now, you may think that you, your dad, or your partner is as healthy as an ox. But it can be hard to tell when men are at risk.
Most men avoid going to the doctor and may hide or explain away symptoms they’re experiencing [1]. The truth is, men are not good at preventative care, and it may be cutting their lives short.
In fact, research has found that we are in the middle of a men’s health crisis. Mental and physical illnesses are increasing and men of all ages are more likely to die than their female peers [2]. Luckily, the news isn’t all bad.
Preventative care doesn’t take a lot of effort. Regular doctor visits and a few simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve men’s well-being and may prevent illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
The key is to learn which conditions to be aware of today and how to make small changes to prevent them tomorrow.
Common Men's Health Issues—And How to Prevent Them
It’s hard to blame men for avoiding the doctor. The health issues that affect them are scary and can significantly impact their lives. Having a support system can give men the strength to do more preventative care.
So, during Men’s Health Week, we should all take a moment to understand these issues and how to prevent them. Below, you’ll learn some common physical and mental health problems affecting men and some simple prevention tips.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men. It occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This can lead to heart attacks, heart failure and other serious complications.
Heart disease is incurable, and it’s increasing in both older and younger men in America [3].
Men are more prone to heart disease due to factors like higher rates of smoking, unhealthy diets and stress.
These simple prevention tips have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease:
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Eating more fruits and vegetables and fewer processed and fried foods promotes a healthy heart. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are also a key part of a heart health diet. Taking heart health supplements can be a good option for men who are reluctant to change their eating habits.
- Exercise Regularly: Studies have found that just 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, like walking or cycling, is enough to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease [4]. Exercise helps keep your heart strong and can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of heart attack by half or more [5].
Diabetes (Type 2)
Diabetes is a condition where the body can’t process sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels. Men are often diagnosed with diabetes more frequently than women and are at higher risk for complications such as heart disease, nerve damage and kidney problems.
This may be why men with type 2 diabetes have a life expectancy of around 6 years shorter than those who don’t [6]. Type 2 diabetes is incurable, and it’s on the rise among all men due to poor diets and rising obesity in America [7]. Here are a few tips to prevent it:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is behind the skyrocketing growth of type 2 diabetes in the US. Maintaining a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help keep your blood sugar balanced.
- Avoid Sugary Foods: Focus on high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods support balanced blood sugar levels. Sugary foods, soft drinks and refined carbs cause blood sugar to spike and fall rapidly, reducing the body’s ability to manage blood sugar levels. A blood sugar complex supplement may help keep blood sugar at healthy levels.
- Get Regular Check-Ups: Regular medical screenings can detect pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetic people are not yet diabetic, but their blood sugar levels are unbalanced, putting them at high risk. At this stage, diabetes is still avoidable.
Prostate Conditions
The prostate is a small gland that produces seminal fluid. As men age, prostate issues such as enlargement, or prostate cancer become more common.
In fact, around 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lives [8]. Many prostate conditions have mild symptoms or no symptoms, so men can be at risk without their knowledge.
During Men’s Health Week is a great time to set a new goal to put these prostate health tips into practice for the rest of the year:
- Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats may help protect the prostate. Foods like tomatoes, broccoli and nuts are particularly beneficial. Researchers recommend eating a balanced diet to support prostate health. A multivitamin can help men consume this blend of essential nutrients each day.
- Exercise Regularly: In studies, more physically active men were less likely to develop prostate conditions [9]. About three hours of activity per week is all it takes to improve prostate health.
- Regular Screenings: Prostate exams are a regular part of check-ups for men over 40, but unfortunately, many men are not going to the doctor as often as they should. Survival rates for prostate cancer are high, but early detection is critical.
Depression and Anxiety
Many men are not comfortable talking about their feelings or appearing vulnerable, and this has snowballed into a silent mental health crisis. Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are often overlooked in men, and they are increasing rapidly in the US [10].
Depression and anxiety go beyond mental unease. They can also increase the likelihood of physical illnesses like heart disease, metabolic diseases and cancer [11]. Here are some tips for improving men’s mental well-being:
- Stay Connected: Many men in America have very few strong relationships and no emotional support structure. Around 1 in 4 men under 30 claim they have no close friends [12]. Spending more time with the men you care about, especially those who live alone, may improve their mental health. Encouraging men to engage in hobbies or team sports can also help them build community.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Studies have also found that exercise boosts self-esteem and makes socializing more enjoyable [13].
- Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can exacerbate mental health issues, and it’s especially common in men. It’s estimated that over half of US men are sleep-deprived [14]. Sleep deprivation is directly linked to depression, mood swings, anger and mental illness [15]. Exercise and limiting screen use before bed can encourage better sleep. A natural sleep complex may also promote relaxation and more fulfilling shuteye.
Support the Men in Your Life During Men’s Health Week
Men’s Health Week is a time to focus on the well-being of the men in our lives.
It’s a reminder that men are often at risk of several health conditions. But more importantly, we must take the time to be mindful of the fact that many men do not have strong emotional support systems or even friendships.
As a result, they may lack the confidence or motivation to take care of themselves or visit the doctor.
Men may need the support and encouragement of their loved ones to take their health seriously, whether it’s a gentle reminder to schedule a doctor’s appointment or an invitation to take a walk a few times a week.
In addition to emotional support and small lifestyle changes, Manna liposomal supplements can help fill in nutritional gaps and support overall health. Diet has a major impact on all of the health issues that affect men.
Taking a daily multivitamin is a simple step that can go a long way toward improving men’s well-being.
FAQ
Men’s Health Week is an annual event aimed at raising awareness about health issues affecting men and promoting strategies for prevention and well-being.
Men often neglect their health, leading to increased risks of various conditions. This week serves as a reminder to prioritize health and take proactive steps toward prevention.
Common topics include heart disease, diabetes, prostate health, and mental well-being. These issues are prevalent among men and require attention for optimal health.
Men’s Health Week typically occurs during the second week of June each year, leading up to Father’s Day. However, initiatives promoting men’s health awareness can occur throughout the year.
While the focus is on men of all ages, there may be specific recommendations tailored to different age groups, such as prostate health screenings for older men and lifestyle habits for younger men to prevent future health issues
- https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2019/09/04/cleveland-clinic-survey-men-will-do-almost-anything-to-avoid-going-to-the-doctor
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/04/17/mens-health-longevity-gap/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7098848/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6481017/
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart/smoking/benefits-to-quit
- https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/type-2-diabetes-diagnosis-at-age-30-can-reduce-life-expectancy-by-up-to-14-years
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5278808/
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/10-diet-and-exercise-tips-for-prostate-health
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/673184/any-mental-illness-past-year-us-men/
- https://advancedpsychiatryassociates.com/resources/blog/the-effects-of-anxiety-and-depression-on-your-physical-health/
- https://jbws.org/news/mens-mental-health/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200929173412.htm
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects
