A 2017 survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 12 percent of men aged 18 and older in the United States are considered to be in fair or poor health. Because many men often don’t see a doctor until in the later stages of physical/mental ailments, it’s important to know that catching a disease in its early stages can often be the difference between life and death!
With Men’s Health Week being recognized nationally June 10-16, Kaiser Permanente is providing health advice and tips on how men need to better identify and understand some of the ailments that commonly affect them.
Depression
Depression can strike any person at almost any age. However, depression is a major mental health concern among men, because many men who are depressed may show anger or aggressive behavior instead of being sad, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Furthermore, the NIMH notes men are less likely than women to recognize, talk about and seek treatment for depression, although this mental health disorder affects a large number of males and requires medical attention.
“Men with depression exhibit different symptoms, but there is some commonality,” said Dr. Juan-Carlos Zuberbuhler, a board-certified child/adolescent/adult psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Common depression symptoms include a loss of interest in work and family, exhibiting anger, feeling restless, feeling a need for alcohol or drugs, and becoming more and more isolated. If any of that occurs, it’s important to seek treatment.”
Kaiser Permanente offers information on how to better cope with depression.
Heart disease
According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for men in most racial/ethnic groups. The CDC notes that half of men who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms, adding between 70 percent and and 89 percent of sudden cardiac events occur in men.
“Smoking, high blood pressure, and high LDL cholesterol levels are three of the most critical risk factors for heart disease among men,” said Dr. Columbus D. Batiste II, a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Other medical conditions and poor lifestyle choices that will put men at a higher risk of heart disease include being overweight or obese, diabetes, having a poor diet, a lack of exercise and excessive alcohol use.”
Prostate cancer
About 12 out of 100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. If detected early – and with proper treatment – most men will survive prostate cancer.
“That’s why screening for prostate cancer is critical as men get older, even when there are no clear symptoms,” said Dr. Michael Soleimani, a family medicine physician and director of quality with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “When it comes to prostate health, I encourage men to not ignore this health issue, and to ask their doctor if testing is advisable. The fact is, when detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.”
Sleep apnea
According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, it is estimated that 33 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80 percent of moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) cases being undiagnosed. OSA is caused by blockage of the airway during sleep, and is most commonly diagnosed in men age 40 and older, especially those who are overweight or obese.
“If left untreated, this sleep disorder can cause major health problems,” said Dr. Dennis Hwang at Kaiser Permanente Southern California Sleep Center in San Bernardino. “That includes high blood pressure, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Sleep apnea is also associated with type 2 diabetes and depression. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that should never be taken lightly.”
