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Healthcare for men has been, and unfortunately still is, somewhat of a taboo topic. Society has often conditioned men to believe they should 'tough it out' when it comes to pain or discomfort. Consequently, many men do not seek medical attention until it becomes necessary. For minority communities, this issue is even more pronounced, and our health insurance plans aim to bridge this gap. Research indicates that minority men are less likely than their white, non-Hispanic counterparts to have a regular doctor and are also less likely to have health insurance.
Heart Health
For men's health, heart disease is the leading cause of death. One in four men dies from a cardiovascular disorder every year. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and blocks blood flow to the heart. This blockage can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Unfortunately, half of all men who die suddenly from heart disease have no previous symptoms. So, getting regular checkups and screenings is critical so the disease can be detected and treated early. Some risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.
Prostate Health
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of death from cancer in men. The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
The most common symptoms of prostate cancer are difficulty urinating, a weak or interrupted flow of urine, and more frequent urination, especially at night. You must see a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
About 14% of all new cancer cases are cancer of the prostate. When detected early, it has a 96% 5-year survival rate.
Other conditions that can affect the prostate include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. BPH is a noncancerous or benign enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary symptoms. Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate that can cause pain and urinary symptoms.
Regular prostate screenings are essential for all men over the age of 50, as well as those over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer. Minorities with a first-degree relative (father, brother, son) with prostate cancer are at an increased risk and should begin screenings earlier.
Mental Health
Mental health disorders are common in men but often go undiagnosed and untreated. Suicide is the seventh leading cause of death in men. The most common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health problems. But it's essential to seek help if you are experiencing any mental health disorder symptoms, such as feeling down or hopeless, anxiety or panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, excessive drinking, or drug misuse.
Minorities experience more barriers to care. Several studies show distinct problems between the mental health treatment white non-Hispanic men receive versus African, Hispanic, and Asian men. One report found Black patients received inconsistent care and were more likely to seek help at the emergency room, where they received little-to-no counseling.
Besides the quality of care, research shows Black men have fewer instances of a major depressive disorder but experience more disabling and persistent symptoms that are treatment resistant.
Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in men after heart disease. The most common types of cancer in men are prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Many risk factors for cancer include smoking, excessive sun exposure, a family history of cancer, and certain viruses or bacteria. But you can also do many things to reduce your risk, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular screenings.
Screenings for cancer include certain blood tests, colonoscopies and prostate exams. These tests can help find cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. It can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and blindness. Men are more likely than women to develop diabetes at a lower weight, which is regular health screenings are essential.
Diabetes affects 11.3 percent of the U.S. population but 14.5 percent of American native Americans, 12.1% of non-Hispanic blacks, 11.8% of Hispanics, 9.5% of Asians, but only 7.4% of non-Hispanic whites.
Type 2 diabetes; obesity and lack of exercise often causes most diagnoses, but a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol can also cause lead to type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is less common, and you can't prevent it. With type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body turn sugar into energy.
If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar levels and getting regular screenings for complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, is essential.
Improve Your Health With These Preventative Measures
You can do many things to reduce your risk of developing these conditions or catch them early if you have them.
Better Nutrition
Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. It's also important to limit sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
Regular Exercise
Exercise is vital for maintaining a healthy weight, improving mental health, and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
Many ways to manage weight include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your portion sizes.
If you are overweight or obese, your doctor may recommend a weight-loss program.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other diseases. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your health is to quit.
Many resources are available to help you quit smoking, including counseling, medication, and support groups.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Drinking alcohol in moderation has some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease. But drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing health problems like liver disease, cancer, and stroke.
The American Heart Association recommends only two daily drinks for men.
Get Regular Screenings
Doctors can detect many conditions early with screenings. These tests can find problems before they cause symptoms when they are most treatable.
Screenings include blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, colonoscopies, and mammograms.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
You can do many things to reduce your risk of developing these conditions or catch them early if you have them. But the best thing you can do for your health is making healthy lifestyle choices.
Some healthy lifestyle choices include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.
Making these healthy choices can help you feel your best and reduce your risk of developing severe health problems.
If you're looking to improve your overall health, contact Antidote Health today. Our team of experts can help you with everything from diet and exercise advice to regular screenings and quitting smoking. With our help, you can make healthy lifestyle choices that reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other severe health conditions. Don't wait, sign up today!
