Men's Health Problems: Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Men are demonstrably less likely than women to attend annual examinations or preventative screenings However, there are many health problems that men can avoid or easily treat if they are diligent about health checks. This article looks at the four main health problems that trouble men between the ages of 25 and 55, mentions how they might be simply managed or prevented, and discusses lifestyle factors that also play a role in men's health.

On the National Health Observance Calendar, June is officially 'Men's Health Month'. Given that studies have shown women to be twice as likely to visit their doctor for annual examinations and preventative screening, it is obvious that men need to be both encouraged to visit their doctors and educated on the important ways in which this may extend their life as well as increase its quality. First, let's take a look at the four main health problems that strike men ages of 25 and 55, and see what your doctor can easily do to prevent or manage such issues.

•            Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death, and a larger number of men than women suffer strokes and heart attack at an earlier stage of their lives By simply performing blood pressure and cholesterol checks, your doctor can assess the extent to which you are currently at risk, medicate you if necessary, and give you advice on how to lower your risk levels

•             Prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers are the most common cancers seen in men. The sooner they are diagnosed, the more likely you are to survive. The risk of these cancers increases with age, and attending your doctor for

an annual examination might even pick up such conditions before you experience any symptoms

•            Diabetes is more common in men than women, and can often become serious without any obvious symptoms appearing. However, it can easily be diagnosed by a blood sugar test performed by your doctor.

•     Erectile dysfunction does not pose a risk of death in itself, but it can lead to depression and also quite often signals atherosclerosis (which is responsible for the majority of heart attacks and strokes). If you are experiencing erectile problems, your doctor can provide some effective treatments that might improve your quality of life, and check that your difficulties are not being caused by something more sinister.