Men’s Health Month: 3 Common Health Issues Affecting American Men
June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the widespread health issues affecting men in the U.S. Men’s Health Month aims to remedy this by encouraging healthy lifestyle practices, regular wellness checkups and open discussions about health. Read on to learn more about the three most common health conditions affecting American men in today’s society.
1. Cardiovascular Disease
Heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and stroke are all forms of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death in American males.
Common symptoms of cardiovascular disease can include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat. Patients who have a family history of cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as those who have concurrent health issues such as diabetes and high cholesterol. Lifestyle factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease include eating an unbalanced diet, not getting enough regular exercise, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
To help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease, it is vital to get your annual wellness checkups to monitor cholesterol levels, blood pressure and glucose levels. Prioritize your health and get checked at one of Midwest Express Clinic’s 40+ locations open daily across Northwest Indiana and Illinois.
Other effective lifestyle changes that can help lower your risk of developing a cardiovascular disease are: eating a balanced diet that combines whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, avoiding smoking and/or excessive alcohol consumption, and getting a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week.
2. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. It is estimated that approximately will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Notable risk factors include having a family history of prostate cancer, as well as being over the age of 50. Some of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent urination (especially at night), having difficulty urinating, erectile dysfunction and passing blood in urine or semen.
Early detection plays a significant role in the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment, which is why getting routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screenings with a healthcare provider is crucial for both patients over 50 and those with a family history of prostate cancer. In addition to routine wellness checkups, lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, reducing red meat and high-fat dairy intake, and exercising regularly are all recommended to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Among other mental health disorders, depression and anxiety are prevalent among American men. This underreporting of mental health symptoms is likely due to archaic cultural and gender expectations of masculinity that discourage emotional expression.
Commonly reported symptoms of depression and anxiety include persistent sadness, irritability, difficulty focusing, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, and a noticeable loss of interest in socializing or partaking in hobbies. Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can be caused by biological factors such as chemical imbalances in the brain or having a family history of depression and anxiety. Traumatic or stressful experiences such as unemployment or bereavement can also lead to the development of depression and anxiety.
To effectively diagnose and manage mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, it’s important to seek out a healthcare provider to help you determine the best treatment plan for your condition. Common treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy and prescription medication, as well as recommended lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, eating right and getting regular exercise.
Can you go to an urgent care for a wellness exam?
Yes! Midwest Express Clinic can help you take charge of your health with a comprehensive routine wellness checkup. To find urgent care near you, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
