Men’s Health: Being Aware

Many men have a hard time keeping appointments with a doctor and have an inclination to not seek medical help until it is absolutely necessary. With an eye towards prevention, the Wellness Advisor took an overview of the health issues men should be aware of.

General Health: General health concerns for men include awareness of developing heart disease, cancer, eye health, arthritis, and diabetes. Although osteoporosis is not as common in men, this disease afflicts approximately 5 million men in the U.S. according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Other health concerns more specific to men include prostate health, testicular cancer, erectile dysfunction, and low testosterone levels.

Issues in Men’s Health Based on Age: In the 20-40 range, men should periodically visit their physician for complete physicals. Many men neglect such visits, even though they can detect health concerns early on and prompt necessary treatment. For example, testosterone levels tend to decrease after 35 years of age and can cause muscle loss, weight gain in the midsection, and fatigue. One of the most common cancers in men aged 15-34 years is testicular cancer. If detected early, survival rates increase significantly. In the 40’s and beyond, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate is a common problem. Men 40 years and older should periodically undergo physical examinations for prostate health. Erectile dysfunction incidence also rises with age, effecting between 15-25% of men 65 years and older. In addition, other age-related health concerns include heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

Vitamins and Supplements:Vitamins and some supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and contribute to overall health. In some cases, supplements are beneficial to specific health concerns. For example, saw palmetto, lycopene, vitamin E, and selenium are linked to prostate health. Saw palmetto alone has been shown to lessen the symptoms associated with BPH. Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) show strong evidence of supporting joint health and mobility, even after osteoarthritis is diagnosed. And plant stanols/sterols may support healthy cholesterol levels, while omega-3 fatty acids in fish or flaxseed oil support overall heart health. A gender and age specific multivitamin/mineral is the best choice. Talk to your physician or dietitian about a supplement regimen that is right for you.

Lifestyle:Visit your physician periodically for complete examinations and physicals. Educate yourself on specific health issues concerning men and the preventative measures that can be taken. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and exercise to help maintain a healthy weight. And finally, consider a supplement regimen to help fill nutritional gaps and tailored to your specific needs.