A number of leading health risks impact men more frequently than women.
In this month of honoring Dad, it is a great time to make a plan to be sure the men in our lives are as healthy and in shape as possible. Along with Father’s Day, June is likewise designated as Men’s Health Month – something we should all pay attention to, as men are much less likely than women to visit a doctor, in spite of a decreased life expectancy and a higher propensity for 14 out of 15 of the primary health conditions that lead to death.
Editor in Chief of the American Journal of Men’s Health, Demetrius Porche, DNS, RN, sums it up: “Men put their health last. Most men’s thinking is, if they can live up to their roles in society, then they’re healthy.”
Encourage the senior men in your life to choose a proactive stance to healthcare to help reduce their danger of developing these leading senior health risks:
- Cardiovascular disease. Followed closely by stroke, cardiovascular illness is typically the leading reason for death globally, and American men are at a particularly enhanced risk. Precautionary measures to take consist of monitoring (and managing) cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and implementing healthy diet and lifestyle choices which can include eating an abundance of vegetables and fruits, exercising, and quitting smoking.
- Prostate cancer. As many as 200,000 men are expected to learn they have prostate cancer this coming year alone. Men should talk with their physicians for guidelines on prostate cancer screenings.
- Diabetes. Diabetes is a specific issue for males, because it frequently starts without indicating any outward symptoms prior to progressing to an unhealthy level, which could result in stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness and amputations. Studies show that men who regularly work out at least a half hour a day can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by 50%.
- Lung cancer. Nearly 90% of lung cancer cases stem from smoking; and the great news is, non-smoking men are at a distinct advantage in preventing the disease. If your loved one smokes, encourage him to talk to the doctor for help with stopping.
- Depression. Men are just as likely to be impacted by depression as women, but are more inclined to brush their thoughts and feelings under the rug than to explore help. However, it is very important to understand that depression is a treatable affliction – and left untreated, can lead to suicidal thoughts. Even though women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to carry out an attempt to completion.
At Absolute Companion Care, one of the leading providers of personal home care in Baltimore, MD and the surrounding area, it is our main priority to ensure that the older adults in our care are as healthy and well as possible, and enjoying life to the fullest. If you’re concerned about senior health risks impacting loved ones, we are available to provide assistance in a number of ways: transportation to medical appointments, preparation of healthy meals, encouragement to participate in exercise programs, and pleasant companionship to keep isolation – a significant factor to depression in older adults – at bay. Reach out to via our online form or call us at 410-357-9640 to find out more about our top-rated senior home care services in your area!