Top Men's Health Risks

Top Men's Health Risks

Men can be less likely to go to the doctor for annual exams and screenings—leaving them more susceptible to experiencing severe health complications for undiagnosed and untreated conditions. It is extremely important that men take annual wellness exams and screenings seriously, or the outcomes could be catastrophic and even life-threatening. Here’s what you should know about some of the most common health risks that affect men specifically.

Type 2 Diabetes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely than women to develop type 2 diabetes at a lower weight. It is believed that weight distribution plays an important role in this as men tend to hold their weight in their midsection.

Also, men are less likely to have their diabetes properly diagnosed because they don’t seek medical attention to address their concerns or symptoms. If left undiagnosed and untreated, men living with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing heart disease.

Heart Disease

The CDC states that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, regardless of ethnicity or race. In fact, heart disease is responsible for about 1 in every 4 male deaths in the U.S.

Oftentimes, heart disease can be “silent” and go undiagnosed until a man experiences the following:

• Heart attack
• Arrhythmia
• Heart failure

It is important to keep up with your routine physicals with your primary care provider so they can monitor your health to look for any warning signs that may suggest the presence of heart disease.

Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed form of cancer for men in the U.S. Colorectal cancer typically develops from precancerous polyps found in the colon or rectum, which only can be found through screening tests. The ACS recommends that people of average risk begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for early detection to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.

HIV and AIDS

According to the CDC, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that can be transmitted through certain bodily fluids. HIV attacks the body’s immune system. Over time, the body loses T cells that are vital in fighting off infection. Eventually, infections and various cancers can take advantage of a weakened immune system.

According to HIV.gov, gay and bisexual men account for 69 percent of all HIV diagnoses and about 86 percent of HIV diagnoses among males in the U.S. Heterosexual men account for about seven percent of HIV diagnoses in the U.S. It is essential for men to be tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases and infections to protect themselves, and others, from the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Primary and Specialty Care in Northeast Ohio

The Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. includes both primary care and specialty care physicians who are committed to providing patients with high-quality medical care. Our team of board-certified specialists and skilled physicians works to raise the bar for excellence in health care service for our community. To learn more about our primary and specialty care services or schedule an appointment, visit our website.