MEN'S HEALTH
Llife Span
Recognizing Symtoms
Healthcare Resources
Did you know that, on average, men are less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than women? Part of the reason for this health gap is that we don’t take care of ourselves as well as women do. Men are more likely to engage in unhealthy behavior, and less likely than women to adopt preventive health measures. We’re also less likely to have health insurance, more likely to work in dangerous occupations, and often put off going to the doctor even when we really should go. As a result, men die younger—and in greater numbers—of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and many other diseases. In 1920, women outlived men by an average of one year. Today, that difference is more than five years.
RECOGNIZING SYMPTOMS
When a warning light flashes on the car dashboard, most men usually take the car to the shop. But when warning lights flash on their body, most men don’t (or won’t) notice. Here are a few flashing lights you should look out for:• Changes in bowel or bladder habits. This can be an indication of prostate or bladder problems. And blood in the urine is a common indicator of
kidney problems. Does he get up five times a night to go to the bathroom? That could be a symptom of an enlarged prostate, a common condition
among men as they get older.• Persistent backaches, changes in the color of urine or stool, obvious changes in warts or moles, unusual lumps, recurrent chest pains or
headaches, bleeding that won’t stop, nagging cough, unexplained weight loss, and extreme fatigue can all be symptoms of other serious health
problems.• Depression. Although women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to succeed. Because men are reluctant to ask for help and may try to hide their depression, you may recognize the symptoms sooner than he does. These may include acting overly anxious, having
trouble sleeping, complaining of feeling sad or “empty” or helpless, engaging in unusually risky or reckless behavior, or losing interest in hobbies or
other pleasurable activities.Need a check-up? MHN provides this Get It Checked maintenance schedule for men and women.
Ask your doctor if these screenings are appropriate for you.
Need free healthcare? If you do not have health insurance and need a free clinic, or need help with the cost of prescription drugs or information about Medicare, Medicaid, or clinical trials, go to healthclinicsonline.com.
Read recently published the Blueprint for Men’s Health: A Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle.