Most men are ignoring symptoms of ailments and are also poor medical attention seekers. Statistics shows that very few men are deliberately pursuing medical consultations, which has made men more prevalent to most debilitating diseases compared to women. This greatly reduces their lifespan due to contraction of illnesses at a younger age.
The bad news is that the average man pays less attention to his health than the average woman. The good news is that men can be healthy by taking control of their lifestyle. Whether by eating better, quitting bad habits like smoking or getting regular checkups.
Common ailments related to man’s health and some preventive measures.
Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years (1)
Depression and Suicide
Depression is a common illness worldwide, with an estimated 3.8% of the population affected, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years (1). Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression (1). Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when recurrent and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. (WHO 2021). For instance, a research done in 2014 on prevalence of depression among university students in Kenya. The overall prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms was 35.7% (33.5% males and 39.0% females) and severe depression was 5.6% (5.3% males and 5.1% female). Males were high on severe depression.
The overall prevalence of moderate depressive symptoms was 35.7% (33.5% males and 39.0% females) and severe depression was 5.6% (5.3% males and 5.1% female). Males were high on severe depression.
In most cases, depression in men is unnoticed because the symptoms sometimes do not match what many expects or even themselves. Men can experience depression as anger or irritability rather than sadness as the community expects, and they are more likely to keep these feelings under rugs. It is believed that depression affect women far more than men. Unlike Women, many men have a tendency of hiding feelings of depression or to present them differently than women. When it comes to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, men are reluctant to seek help, which significantly increases the risk of suicidal behaviours.
There is also a misconception and stigma associated with mental health problems, especially among men in the society.
Some ways to combat depression in men includes;
• communicating openly with family and friends.
• Noting or writing down your thoughts.
• Getting regular exercises.
• Seeking professional help.
When it comes to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, men are reluctant to seek help, which significantly increases the risk of suicidal behaviours.
Heart Disease and Diabetes
Heart diseases come in many forms, and all of its forms can lead to serious and fatal complications if undetected early. Like a car engine, routine checkup can keep your heart beating well. The American Heart Association states that more than one in three adult men have some form of cardiovascular diseases and according to the source African – American men accounts for more cardiovascular deaths than Caucasian men. Cardiovascular or heart diseases is a group of illnesses that is involving the heart and the blood vessels. It includes high blood pressure (hypertension), coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, heart valve problems, and abnormal heart rhythms. With diabetes, it usually sets in without showing any signs. It raises blood sugar levels and eventually passed into the urine.
Increased urination and thirst are the first visible signs of diabetes. High glucose acts as a slow poison on blood vessels and nerves in the entire body An average man underrates positive behaviours and good healthy heart practices, due to this attitude; most men are at a risk of contracting cardiovascular illnesses and diabetes. With lifestyle modifications and routine checkups, your doctor can calculate your Risk for cardiovascular diseases based on several risk factors like your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
African – American men accounts for more cardiovascular deaths than Caucasian men. Cardiovascular or heart diseases is a group of illnesses that is involving the heart and the blood vessels.
Respiratory Diseases
Like any other ailments, respiratory diseases interfere with the organs related to breathing. Some of these respiratory issues in men are due to occupational Hazards. Since most men are the breadwinners, hazardous work related environment expose and increases their risks and chances of contracting respiratory diseases. 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.
Now that you know some few health risks that affect men, the next step is to become proactive about your health. It’s time to change, and change is the Choice. “C to C” choice for change and change for choice.
