June marks National Men’s Health Month, a reminder for all males to implement healthy lifestyle choices and take better care of their bodies and mind. This is especially important for men over 60. Preventative care and screenings as you age are critical to your health. It is important to establish routines that involve nutrition, exercise, and annual health checkups.
Men’s Health Month
Reminders for Seniors & Preventative Steps to Take
The annual exam should include a blood pressure check and workup, testing for diabetes, cholesterol, electrolytes, vitamin D and thyroid levels, urine sample, and an overall thorough exam. Screenings such as prostrate, colon, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes are needed on a regular basis. Men should consult their physician for appropriate timing/frequency of screening.
Weight can be a health concern as we age. Monitoring food intake and eating balanced meals is critical to maintaining an appropriate weight. Add exercise to your daily routine. Men should aim for 30 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic activity 4-6 times a week. Check with your physician for the appropriate exercise regimen for your needs/age.
Be sure to include visiting with your physician in regard to your mental health. This can sometimes be difficult for men since they don’t always like to talk about their problems. Depression and anxiety need to be addressed and talking to someone is important.
The key is to establish a prevention routine. Seek out a physician that you like and schedule an annual exam. It is important to your overall health to do so.
Men’s Health Facts:
- According to the CDC, the average lifespan for men is about five years less than for women, and over the years there has been a gradual increase in this gap.
- The top three causes of death for men include heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries.
- Men are almost twice as likely as women to die of a heart attack and significantly more likely to die of cancer.
- Men are less likely to undergo treatment for mental health conditions such as depression, resulting in an increased likelihood of committing suicide.
- Men are less likely to seek healthcare than women.
- Prostate cancer affects one in nine men. It is the most common cancer among American men.
- Men should be making better lifestyle choices. Heavy drinking and smoking can have severe health implications. Healthy food choices and regular exercise are also factors.
Be aware of what to look for. The list below represents some of the greatest health issues for men over 60 years of age.
Heart health
Heart disease comes in many forms. All of its forms can lead to serious, fatal complications if undetected. Stroke targets more than 3 million men. High blood pressure is common in males under the age of 45, according to the American Heart AssociationTrusted Source. Routine checkups can help keep that heart beating. Your doctor can calculate your risk for cardiovascular disease based on several risk factors, including your cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking habits.
COPD and other respiratory diseases
Many respiratory diseases start with an innocent “smoker’s cough.” Over time, that cough can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as lung cancer, emphysema, or COPD. All of these conditions interfere with your ability to breathe. According to the American Lung Association, each year more men are diagnosed with and develop lung cancer than in years past. African-American men have a higher risk of dying from the disease compared to other racial or ethnic groups. While exposure to occupational hazards like asbestos increases your risk, smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer. If you have smoked for more than 30 years, a low-dose CT scan may be prudent to screen for lung cancer.
Alcohol: Friend or foe?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Trusted Source, men face higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations than women do. Men binge drink twice as much as women. They are also prone to increased aggression and sexual assault against women.
Alcohol consumption increases your risk for cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon. Alcohol also interferes with testicular function and hormone production. This can result in impotence and infertility. According to the CDC Trusted Source, men are more likely than women to commit suicide. They also are more likely to have been drinking prior to doing so.
Depression and suicide
Researchers at The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Trusted Source estimate that at least 6 million men suffer from depressive disorders, including suicidal thoughts, annually.
Some ways to combat depression include:
- getting regular exercise, even just going for routine walks around your neighborhood
- journaling or writing down your thoughts
- communicating openly with friends and family
- seeking professional help
Unintentional injuries and accidents
The CDC Trusted Source lists unintentional injury as a leading cause of death for men in 2006. This includes drowning, traumatic brain injuries, and fireworks-related mishaps.
Motor vehicle death rates for male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 were almost twice that of females in 2006. Male workers incurred 92 percent of the 5,524 total reported fatal occupational injuries. Remember, safety first.
Liver disease
Your liver is the size of a football. It helps you digest food and absorb nutrients. It also rids your body of toxic substances. Liver disease includes conditions such as:
- cirrhosis
- viral hepatitis
- autoimmune or genetic liver diseases
- bile duct cancer
- liver cancer
- alcoholic liver disease
According to the American Cancer Society, Trusted Source, alcohol and tobacco use increases your chance of developing liver disease.
Diabetes
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to nerve and kidney damage, heart disease and stroke, and even vision problems or blindness. Men with diabetes face a risk of lower testosterone levels and sexual impotence. This can lead to increased depression or anxiety.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) celebrates today’s “modern man” as someone who is more aware of his blood sugar health. The ADA recommends that men “get out, get active, and get informed.” The best way to control your diabetes is to eat healthy and exercise. If you have a family history of diabetes, it is important to see your doctor to have periodic screenings for diabetes.
Influenza and pneumonia
Influenza and infection are two leading health risks for men. Men who have compromised immune systems due to COPD, diabetes, congestive heart failure, sickle cell anemia, AIDS, or cancer are more susceptible to these illnesses.
Men are about 25 percent more likely to die from these diseases than women, according to the American Lung Association. To prevent against influenza and pneumonia, the American Lung Association recommends vaccination.
Skin cancer
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, two-thirds of melanoma deaths in 2013 were men. This is more than twice the rate of women. Sixty percent of all melanoma deaths were white men over the age of 50.
You can help protect against skin cancer by wearing long sleeves and pants, hats with wide brims, sunglasses, and sunscreen when outdoors. You can also lower your risk of skin cancer by avoiding exposure to UV light sources, such as tanning beds or sunlamps.
HIV and AIDS
Men who are infected with HIV may not realize it, as initial symptoms may mimic a cold or flu. As of 2010, men account for 76 percent of people infected with HIV, according to the CDC Trusted Source.
The CDC Trusted Source goes on to state that men who have sex with men account for most new and existing HIV infections. African-American men have the highest rate of new HIV infection among all men.
Men’s health matters all year long
To live your healthiest life, take an active role in your well-being year-round, not just during Men’s Health Month. That means learning about your rest for men’s top health issues, staying up to date with recommended screenings, and prioritizing healthy lifestyle choices. Most men’s health issues are preventable or treatable, but staying proactive is the key.
Promedcare
Our goal is to keep you or your loved one healthy, happy, and safe at home. The Promedcare team of management and caregivers understands the importance of providing care within the comfort of one’s own home. Families choose Promedcare for different reasons. For some, it’s to provide extensive ongoing care for an aging senior. For others, we offer a much-needed break or, respite care – such as a night out with a spouse, vacation, or simply a few hours of quiet time at home – for family members who provide regular care. We offer a wide range of care services customized for each individual client. Promedcare services include Personal Care Services, Companion Care Services, Dementia / Alzheimer’s Care Services, and Respiratory Solutions.
Contact us today to see our Prodmedcare can help you!