With so many men dying from a handful of diseases each year, it’s easy to feel scared or alarmed about aging. However, by learning about the most common diseases that kill men every year, you can take a proactive approach to protecting your health. Things are always scarier when they are shrouded in mystery, so it pays to educate yourself about the biggest health risks for men that end in mortality. From serious conditions like prostate cancer to seemingly less serious problems like erectile dysfunction, men face a wide variety of life-threatening conditions as they get older. Learn more about a few of the most common conditions below.
Be Aware of These Conditions
- Prostate Cancer – Next to skin cancer, this is the most common cancer that men face. More than 200,000 men are diagnosed with it every year, and it is most common in men who are over the age of 75. Interestingly enough, it is less common in men who are vegetarians, so limiting the amount of meat that you consume may be helpful.
- Diabetes – Type 2 diabetes is extremely prevalent in obese men. To ward off this silent killer, you should keep your weight in check. Eat healthily and get plenty of exercise. The thousands of men who have diabetes face serious health issues that range from amputations to blindness, so this is one disease that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
- Erectile Dysfunction – Although this condition isn’t deadly in and of itself, it is often caused by serious underlying issues. Most notably, atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries, is often to blame. It is also associated with Low Testosterone. Recent studies have recently associated a link between ED and periodontal disease.
- Heart Disease – As the number-one killer of men and women alike, heart disease is a major issue. Men tend to develop it earlier because they develop atherosclerosis in their arteries at younger ages. To keep it at bay, eat healthily, get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, quit smoking or don’t start and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check.
- Suicide and Depression – More women attempt suicide each year than men, but men tend to be more successful. In general, men are less likely to seek help and are more likely to turn to alcohol or aggressive behaviors when they are depressed. Remember that depression is a disease, and make sure to seek help when it is needed.With these conditions laid out in black and white, they don’t seem quite as daunting. By taking care of your health, you’ll be more likely to live well into your golden years without facing these diseases.
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Jeana Olchowy is part of an elite group of writers. Follow her on Twitter @jolchowy25.