Most Common Health Risks For Men

man exercising outside

June is Men’s Health Month, and MOTION is taking the time to increase awareness of conditions for which men are at high risk. Health risks have become substantially higher for men of all ages, but increased awareness can help prevent these conditions from occurring. According to Men’s Health Network, some of the most common causes of death in men include unintentional injury, diabetes, and heart disease. Take some time to look into your health, and see what you can do to optimize your wellness. We suggest contacting our staff for physical therapy.

Unintentional Injury

In 2015, the CDC listed unintentional injury as the third leading cause of death for men. In every facet, men get injured at far higher rates than women. For example, male workers make up over 90% of workplace fatalities, and death in motor vehicle accidents is double that of women. To help combat these risks, be sure that you are wearing proper quality gear and are always using all of the provided safety options at your workplace. Never disregard safety in the name of ease or convenience. In some instances, we can take all of the necessary precautions and are still unable to prevent an injury from occurring. When accidents happen, and you require medical attention, MOTION offers rehabilitation programs and workplace injury management programs to get you back up and running again.

Men’s Diabetes

Men’s diabetes is often regarded as a silent threat, and it affects males at an astonishing rate. Genetics, weight, and lifestyle all can factor in your likelihood of developing the condition. The majority of individuals who are at risk for diabetes are men. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, prediabetes is more prevalent in men than women (36.6% compared to 29.3%). Diabetes can also be a gateway disease that may lead to other medical conditions and complications. As your blood sugar levels gradually increase, the excess glucose in your blood attacks as many internal systems, blood vessels, and nerve endings as it can reach. Erectile dysfunction, sexual impotence, heart disease, diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), and even stroke are all risks of diabetes. To try and halt the condition before it occurs, remember to incorporate healthy options into your daily consumption and to engage in regular exercise and workout routines. Also, remember to visit a physical therapist if you have any questions or concerns regarding your physical activity.

Heart Disease

Officially labeled as the leading cause of fatalities in men, heart disease is often experienced by men who suffer from diabetes, poor physical activity, or are overweight/obese. Diagnosing heart-related conditions often comes down to early detection. Therefore, awareness of any potential warning signs is vital. Examples of these warning signs/symptoms may include some of the following:

  • Discomfort in the chest area that doesn’t dissipate after a few minutes.
  • Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
  • Sensations of dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.
  • Pain radiating throughout the upper body, including the arms, back, and neck.
  • Feelings of weakness.
  • Cold sweats.

Increased awareness regarding potential risk factors aids in the prevention of heart disease. Reducing these risk factors can be done by taking several steps towards a healthy lifestyle. MOTION recommends that our clients consider the following preventive measures:

  • Refrain from smoking. If you’re already a smoker, contact a healthcare provider for further information on how you can quit.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your physician where you’re ideal body weight should be and what you can do to attain this target weight.
  • Incorporate a healthy diet. Consult with your physician regarding your nutritional intake.
  • Get regular exercise. For tips on routines and other programs, ask for guidance from a MOTION physical therapist.

June is Men’s Health Month, and MOTION is striving to heighten awareness for all men who may suffer from any of these common conditions. For more information on what steps you can take for treatment and recovery, please contact us today.