News Trends Today

Coronary artery disease is three times higher among men who are clinically depressed. Male suicides outnumber female suicides in every age group from teenagers to the elderly. Homicide is among the top three causes for death among males between the ages of 15 and 34; by the age of 85, women outnumber men in the United States two to one; this rises to three to one if they reach into their 90s. Quite impressive statistics; and if you’re a man, they are also scary statistics.

In general, men are under more stress then women, putting additional strains on their bodies.  They are busy trying to be the provider for their family, pleasing their boss on the job and keeping the house in good repair, leaving little or no time for relaxation.  That is one reason for a mans shorter life span, but there are many other factors as well.

Men’s immune systems are not as strong as those of women’s, and men die from seven of the ten most common infections at a higher rate, particularly tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases. Sanitary sexual practices are essential, beginning with the use of a condom. A tetanus shot should be administered to men every 10 years.  Men have been known to die from a simple nail going through the foot and left untreated.

Heart disease in men and women is very different as well. Men can begin developing signs of coronary artery disease at the age of 35, while women don’t present a risk of a heart attack similar to men until much later in their life. Men with a family history of heart disease should let their doctors know and start taking proper precautions beginning in their early thirties.

Men’s attitudes and behavior also play a role in the overall life expectancy of men.  Mr. Courtenay of Men’s Health Consulting has identified over thirty attitudes and behaviors that add to men’s shorter lives over women. His research also suggests that men are socialized and taught as boys to adopt the very attitudes and behaviors that kill them. For example, research shows that boys are discouraged from seeking help and even punished when they do. This fact helps explain why men make 150 million fewer doctor visits every year then women do.

Men are told from birth to “suck it up”, “walk it off” and to “not be a wimp”.  Many men feel that seeing a doctor for their health (or mental) concerns are a sign of weakness.  They go to a doctor under duress from their significant other or when their health condition has passed the point of bearable.  If men would take an interest in their health, the life expectancy rate would probably go up by at least 5%, experts say.  Some of the diseases men get are inherited but many are preventable. Waiting until it’s too late and your health has deteriorated to a severe state to see a doctor is not good planning.  Seeing a doctor when your healthy is the key to preventing (and early detection) of serious health conditions.