Man Up! Six Important Health Tips All Guys Need to Know

Contributed by: David M. Kuentz, DO, MBA

Men are less likely to see a doctor regularly than women are—and they’re at higher risk for some common diseases. To stay on top of your health, learn more about these six must-do stay-healthy tips for guys.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men. Your risk goes up with age or if you have a family history of cardiac issues, or if you smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity.

• What you can do: Regular checkups and bloodwork will help you keep track — and take action.

• What you can do: Reviewing your family cancer history, discussing symptoms of possible prostate disease and discussing the risks and benefits of a PSA blood test is crucial for men over 45. Based on the findings and your risk factors, your healthcare provider may order a PSA (prostate cancer screening) blood test.

Type 2 diabetes on the rise for men. It’s linked to heart disease, kidney problems, eye disease, stroke, and issues with healing.

• What you can do: Doctors can track your risk for diabetes with simple blood tests.
  • A fasting blood sugar level of 100 mg/dL or under is normal; 100 – 125 is prediabetes; 126 or higher is considered diabetes (though providers should check it twice).
  • An AIC level of more than 6.5% on two tests indicates diabetes; between 5.7% and 6.4% is prediabetes.

Rates of colon cancer are increasing even among younger adults.

• What you can do: Individuals at average risk should begin colon cancer screening at age 45 and continue through age 75. A family history of colon cancer may increase your risk and require screening at an earlier age.  Screening can be done with a colonoscopy or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) stool test.

After heart disease and cancer, stroke is the third leading cause of death for men. Family history and age play a role. But high blood pressure is the number one controllable risk factor for stroke.

• Normal BP is less than 120 over less than 80.
• Elevated is 120 – 129 over less than 80.
• Stage 1 high blood pressure is 130-139 over 80-90.
• Stage 2 is 140+ over 90+.
• Crisis stage is higher than 180 over higher than 120.

Men are more likely than women to die by suicide, but men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues.

• What you can do: If you’re noticing that you don’t enjoy things you used to or are having feelings of hopelessness and worry, reach out to someone. Call 988 (the mental health equivalent of 911) or talk to your primary care provider.

Not sure where to get started? We are! Make an appointment with a primary care provider to get a handle on your health. To schedule, call 216-My-Metro (216-696-3876) or visit metrohealth.org/appointments.