Things You Need to Know About Men’s Health

By Ernst Lamothe Jr.

Men’s health encompasses everything from physical, mental and social aspects. Health challenges can include chronic conditions to acute illnesses. Men are also at risk of suffering from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression and anxiety. These risks range from lifestyle choices such as poor diet, stress and lack of exercise to biological and genetic factors.

“Traditionally men have been much more likely to neglect their health when compared to women,” said Andrew Rogall, a primary care physician at Oswego Health’s Fulton PrimeCare. “This is one factor that contributes to men having a much higher rate of overall disease and illness in their lifetime, as well as a life expectancy that is five years shorter than the average American woman.” Rogall added.

1.Myths

One of the most overall common myths that patients tell their physician is that they feel healthy so there is no need to see a doctor. However, there is a clear distinction between feeling well and being healthy.

”Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men each year. Two major risk factors for heart attack are high blood pressure and high cholesterol which for most are completely asymptomatic,” said Rogall. “Simply feeling well does not mean these things are not happening in the background until they suddenly present with chest pain and a heart attack. These are also great examples of things that are easy to diagnose and treat when we see people in the office regularly.”

2.Male ailments

Men are assailed by diseases that can affect anyone — heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, depression. But they also have unique issues.

”Well, there is the obvious elephant in the room and that is prostate cancer, which happens exclusively in men,” said Rogall. “Additionally, heart disease, smoking, alcoholism, high blood pressure and cancers are some of the many conditions that are more commonly seen in men.”

3.Risk factors

Several risk factors increase the chances of developing health problems. Twelve percent of men age 18 and older are in fair or poor health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, more than 50% of men older than 20 have hypertension.

“Fortunately, many of these