The average life expectancy age of men is 72 years. The top five leading causes of death for men (all races) are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke and lower respiratory disease. Homicide and diabetes are also top causes of death for African Americans and Hispanics, respectively. Other health concerns of men include overweight & obesity, substance abuse, and consequences of risky behaviors. Also, men do not seek medical help as often as women, which delays the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Heart disease is more prevalent in men than women and men have a greater number of heart attacks earlier in life. Risk factors for heart disease include cigarette smoking, high blood cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. To reduce your risk, be smoke free, get blood pressure checked regularly, eat healthy, lose weight if needed, be active and minimize stress.
Lung, colorectal and prostate cancers are the top three leading causes of cancer deaths in men. Over 80 percent of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking. To reduce your risk, stop smoking. Need help? Call 1-877-270-STOP.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S and 75 percent occur in those with no known risk factors. Risk factors include age (more than 90 percent of colorectal cancers are found in those age 50 and older), family history and having other intestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Chrohn’s disease. Some studies have shown an increase risk in those men that smoke and drink. To reduce your risk, eat a diet rich in fiber including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, maintain an appropriate weight and have screenings at the appropriate age. Learn when you should get checked.
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men. Risk factors for developing prostate cancer include age (2 out of every 3 men over the age of 65 will develop cancer), race (African American men are more likely to get and die from prostate cancer), family history, a diet high in meat and dairy products, and lack of exercise. To reduce the risk, the American Cancer Society recommends that you eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day and exercise regularly. Learn when to get checked.
The 2005 Georgia BRFSS reports that 68% of adult men report being overweight or obese). Excess weight is associated with greater risk of developing many diseases including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Should you be concerned about your weight? Use one of the tools to determine your BMI. Most experts agree that diet and exercise are components of healthy weight so eat healthy and be active.
Men suffer from depression and are four times more likely to commit suicide. If you feel depressed, talk to someone and get professional help if you think about suicide.
