According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men in the United States die younger than women from all nine leading causes of death. The average lifespan for men is about five years shorter than women. There are many reasons for this, but one of the most common is that men don’t always take care of their health as well as they should.
To help make sure that you stay as healthy as possible, here are the seven top health risks for men that you should be aware of.
1. Cancer
Cancer is one of the significant causes of death for men in the United States. In fact, cancer kills more men each year than heart disease, stroke, and respiratory problems combined. There are many different types of cancer, but some of the most common ones for men include prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
There are many things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer, including quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular screenings. Eating a healthy diet is especially important, as obesity is a significant risk factor for many types of cancer.
2. Heart Disease
Atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, is the number one killer of men in the United States. This disease happens when plaque builds up on the inner walls of your arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
It can be hard to tell if you’re at risk for heart disease, but there are a few things you can do to lower your chances. Make sure you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and don’t smoke. If you have any other risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, be sure to talk to your doctor about how to best manage them.
3. Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted, causing parts of your brain to die. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including paralysis, speech problems, and memory loss.
Like heart disease, stroke is a leading cause of death for men in the United States. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of stroke by making healthy lifestyle choices, including eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.
If you think you or someone around you is having a stroke, seek medical help immediately.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is essential for your body to function correctly, but if you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin correctly.
Diabetes is also a leading cause of blindness, heart disease, and kidney failure. The good news is that it can often be controlled with diet, exercise, and medication. If you think you might have diabetes, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
5. Dental Problems
One of the most common health risks for men is dental problems. In fact, more than two-thirds of men have cavities by the time they reach middle age. Dental problems can lead to a wide range of other health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
To reduce your risk of dental problems, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist for regular checkups.
6. Respiratory Problems
Respiratory problems are another common health risk for men. In fact, men are three times more likely to die of respiratory problems than women. Respiratory problems can be caused by a variety of things, including smoking, air pollution, and allergies.
This can be a severe problem for men who work in professions like construction or mining, where they are exposed to high levels of air pollution. To reduce your risk of respiratory problems, be sure to avoid smoking and exposure to air pollution, and see your doctor if you have any symptoms of respiratory problems.
7. Obesity
Obesity is a major health risk for both men and women, but it’s widespread among men. More than one-third of men in the United States are obese, and that number is only going up.
Obesity can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. To reduce your risk of obesity, be sure to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
There are many different health risks that men need to be aware of. It’s essential to make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk of these diseases. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking are some of the best things you can do to stay healthy. Thanks for reading!
