June 11, 2021

For many men, tolerating pain is a sign of manhood. For others, seeing a doctor for annual checkups is not a priority in their busy lives. Unfortunately, health experts warn that such behavior is dangerous and can have serious health consequences.

According to a 2019 survey By the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 15% of men aged 18 and over in the United States are considered to be in good or poor health. Because many men often only see a doctor in the late stages of their physical / mental illness, they often play Russian Roulette with their health! It is important to know that catching an illness early on can be the difference between life and death!

With Father’s Day and nationally recognized Men’s Health Week on June 14-20, it’s important for men in Southern California to better understand some of the diseases that commonly affect them.

Heart disease

The CDC reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States among most racial / ethnic groups. About half of men who die suddenly from coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms, the CDC notes, adding that between 70% and 89% of sudden cardiac events occur in men.

“A diet low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with smoking, high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol levels are among the most critical risk factors for heart disease in men,” said Dr Columbus D. Batiste II, cardiologist at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Other medical conditions and poor lifestyle choices that put men at a higher risk for heart disease include being overweight or obese, diabetes, uncontrolled stress, lack of exercise and binge drinking. alcohol.

Kaiser Permanente offers advice on how to keep a healthy heart.

Arterial hypertension

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure usually doesn’t have any signs or symptoms, which makes it much more dangerous. Unless treated, however, the consequences for men’s health can be serious. Black men are more likely to have hypertension, which can be attributed to this community’s added sensitivity to salt, a major cause of high blood pressure.

This is why it is important for men to better understand the causes and treatment of this health problem and how to protect themselves, including reducing their salt intake, as well as the importance of exercise. Because high blood pressure usually doesn’t have any signs or symptoms, it makes it much more dangerous. In fact, it is for this reason that hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer”.

Prostate cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 12 in 100 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. If caught early – and with the right treatment – most men will survive prostate cancer.

For black men, the risk of dying from low-grade prostate cancer is double that of men of other races, according to the National Cancer Institute. This is why early treatment is so important.

The following factors can increase the risk of prostate cancer:

1) Presence of close male family members who have had prostate cancer.

2) A diet rich in red meats, processed foods and dairy products high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables.

3) In some studies, obesity has been linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

4) Men over 65 have a higher risk.

5) African American men and Caribbean men of African descent are more likely to be diagnosed with
Prostate cancer.

6) The risk of prostate cancer increases after age 50 and is even higher after age 65.

7) Hereditary genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 / BRCA2 genes and Lynch syndrome.

“This is why it is essential to discuss the relevance of screening for prostate cancer as men age, even in the absence of clear symptoms,” said Dr Michael Soleimani, a family physician with Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “When it comes to prostate health, I encourage men not to ignore this health issue and to ask their doctor if a test is advisable. The point is, when caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.

Depression

Depression, which can strike anyone at almost any age, is a major mental health problem for men because many depressed men can show anger or aggressive behavior instead of sad, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Additionally, the NIMH notes that men are less likely than women to recognize, talk about, and seek treatment for depression, although this mental health disorder affects large numbers of men and requires medical attention. .

“Men with depression have different symptoms, but there are some commonalities,” said Dr Juan-Carlos Zuberbühler, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Certified Child / Adolescent / Adult Psychiatrist. “Common symptoms of depression include loss of interest in work and family, anger, feeling restless, craving for alcohol or drugs to escape or avoid the anxiety they feel and become. more and more isolated. If this happens, it is important to seek treatment. Taking care of your mental health and seeking professional help is a sign of courage and strength, not weakness. A major trait of resilient men is that they give and ask for help when they need it. “

Kaiser Permanente offers information on how to better deal with depression.

Sleep Apnea

According to the latest research, approximately 1 billion people worldwide and up to 30% of Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Men are more at risk of OSA as they get older, especially in those who are overweight. OSA is caused by intermittent airway blockage during sleep and is often associated with loud snoring, interrupted sleep, daytime sleepiness, and heartburn.

“This sleep disorder is strongly associated with major health problems,” said Dr Dennis Hwang, Co-Chair, Sleep Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. Sleep apnea is also associated with type 2 diabetes and depression.

Researchers from Kaiser Permanente Southern California noted that untreated moderate to severe OSA is associated with a 70% increased risk of heart attack or stroke within a year. The good news is that this research also reveals that appropriate use of continuous positive airway pressure therapy can reduce this risk by 53%.

“It is important to remember that treatment for sleep apnea can be life changing by improving drowsiness, quality of life and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. “
Dr Hwang said.

Sleep apnea care instructions provided by Kaiser Permanente are available here.

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