This June, we’re proud to celebrate Men’s Health Week, which draws awareness to male health issues and inspires the development of health policies and services that meet the unique needs of young boys and men. At SpecialtyCare, we encourage men to make their mental and physical health a priority.
Men’s Health Statistics
Recent studies show that the average life expectancy of men in the United States is 76.1 years, decreasing from 2014. Prostate cancer is a primary health concern for men, with 1 in 8 diagnosed. Prostate cancer also accounts for 1 in 41 deaths in men. This year, there are 248,530 estimated new cases of prostate cancer, with 34,130 estimated deaths. Additionally, 41% of men 20 years and older are obese, leading to numerous health issues, including heart disease.
Men’s Cardiovascular Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men, accounting for 1 in 4 deaths every year. Men’s hearts are larger than women’s in ratio and eject more blood. Research shows that heart disease equally affects men of most racial and ethnic groups. Half of men in the United States who died from heart disease did not experience any previous symptoms. Therefore, it is often known as a silent killer. Some common symptoms that men experience include:
- Heart attack. Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, and extreme fatigue.
- Arrhythmia. Palpitations that imitate fluttering feelings in the chest.
- Heart failure. Shortness of breath, swelling of feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins.
Half of men experience hypertension, which is a primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Additionally, they are more prone to it before age 50. Some other conditions that put men at higher risk for developing heart disease include diabetes, obesity, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use. On average, men are ten years younger than women when diagnosed with heart disease and are more prone to sudden cardiac death.
Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease
Various preventative measures can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Knowing your blood pressure is an excellent first step. High blood pressure does not showcase symptoms, so it is vital to have it checked regularly. It is also essential to have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels checked periodically. Additionally, you should ask your doctor if you should be tested for diabetes since it is one of the primary risk factors for heart disease. Type 2 diabetes is more common in men than women. Some other preventative measures include eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake, not smoking, and healthily managing stress levels.
Men’s Health Month
Men’s Health Week is part of a larger celebration, Men’s Health Month. SpecialtyCare is the largest provider of perfusion services, supporting 1 in 8 heart surgeries performed in the country every year. We strive to provide valuable information, research, and equipment that supports our commitment to providing the highest quality care to our patients. This Men’s Health Week and throughout the month, we’re proud to highlight important men’s health issues and share preventive ways to promote healthy lifestyles.
About SpecialtyCare
SpecialtyCare is dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience, becoming the OR employer of choice, and leading the way in OR innovation. We do this through staffing operating rooms and providing the equipment needed for medical procedures.