Men Dying Five Years Sooner Than Women

Risk Of Heart Disease Greater And Prostate Cancer A Factor 

Studies have shown that men are still dying nearly five years earlier than women. This difference is even more pronounced for African American men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in addition to a shorter lifespan, men are almost twice as likely as women to die of heart disease.

 

Risk factors for heart disease can include: •High Blood Pressure • High Cholesterol • Strong Family History • Smoking • Diabetes

Another health issue for men includes prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting men. Prostate screening can save lives. Men can start getting screenings around the age of 40, although many men wait until they are much older to get the screening. Treatment for prostate cancer varies. It can depend on how old you are, how sick you are, or how advanced the prostate cancer is at the time of diagnosis.  Men should pay attention to their bodies and should not be afraid to get regular check ups with their healthcare providers.

Men can be safer, stronger, and healthier by taking daily steps and getting care when needed. Improving men's health is not limited to a doctor's office or a hospital; it starts at home with individuals and families taking steps to live safer and healthier lives.

June is recognized as Men's Health Month and the week of June 13-19 is recognized as National Men's Health Week (the week leading up to and including Father's Day). This is an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular check ups, medical advice, and early treatment for disease and injury.