Men’s Health: 4 Conditions Men Should Know

Men are more reluctant to seek medical and mental help than women. November is National Men’s Health Awareness Month, and it comes with various efforts to raise awareness to improve and support issues challenging men’s health.  

As we join the world to create awareness of how important it is for men to seek help when needed, We have highlighted some health concerns men face and should seek timely help where necessary.  

Mental Health 

Masculinity has consistently proven to be a barrier to men seeking mental help for themselves. Help-seeking behaviors might contrast with social stereotypes about masculinity, such as “Man Up”, “men are self-reliant and tough”, and “men don’t display emotions”.

According to global surveys, men are more prone than women to commit suicide and more unwilling to discuss their psychological problems.  

Common mental health problems in men include depression, anxiety, and studies have shown that women are more likely to receive formal mental health support than men. A larger proportion of men with mental health challenges are mostly undiagnosed and untreated, and they suffer the consequences silently.  

To address these problems, efforts are being made to find and create safe spaces that allow men to unburden, share their problems, and seek help. Medical professionals are finding more ways to reach men with mental health solutions and resources while protecting their sense of self and identity.  

At Reliance Health, our teletherapy option allows men to seek and gain easy, affordable, and confidential access to a therapist when needed without interference or shaming, hence minimizing and preventing quick, harmful, and temporary fixes such as drugs, alcohol, and smoking.  

Hypertension  

Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure. A consistent blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90 mmHg can signify the presence of hypertension.

It has been reported that men are more likely to be hypertensive than women. Some of the reasons why this is the case include biological hormones like testosterones and androgens. The normal measure of blood pressure is naturally higher in men than in women.  

There are also behavioral factors that increase risk factors for hypertension. Despite the increased prevalence of hypertension in men, they are less aware and receive less treatment for hypertension than women.

Hypertension is a precursor for many diseases that eventually lead to death, like stroke, heart failure, and coronary diseases. Hence, it is important that men take extra measures to detect and manage hypertension properly.  

Injuries  

It’s a known fact that men are more attracted to risk-taking activities and danger than women. Men are more inclined to take risks than women for various reasons, including their propensity for high-risk occupations and hobbies.

A simple activity like driving can become a risky adventure for men. Men are more likely than women to drive, and men prefer to drive faster than women, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Similarly, men are more involved in sports and, as such, exposed to sports injuries than women.  

Men tend to suffer more injuries and die frequently from injuries. Due to this, it is important that men take necessary precautionary measures to avoid injuries as they both work and play.  

Some injuries can cause permanent damage and become a source of frustration and poor health outcome. It is important to be cautious and careful while performing certain get the appropriate medical attention when injuries occur than allow them to fester.  

 Cancer 

Prostate and testicular cancers are the most common types of cancer in men. Risk factors include age, which is the most prevalent risk factor. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases with a man’s age and mostly in men aged 40 years and above.  

Race and sex can also play a role in the prevalence of prostate cancer, as more African Americans are more disposed to having prostate cancer than their male counterparts of other races.

Men must undergo regular wellness checks as they age to help detect prostate cancer early. Early detection is key in managing prostate cancer so that adequate measures can be taken to nip it in the bud.  

Men are essential in the family and society, and optimizing men’s health cannot be overemphasized. It is important that we continue to act together to provide men with the support they need to improve their overall health and well-being.