We live in an ‘always-on’ world, where professional status, consumerism and the pervasive reach of social media can push us to always want more. While we all face challenges, their effects are not equally felt.
Did you know that men are:
– 17% more likely than women to have cancer
– 50% more likely than women to have hearing loss
– 50% more likely than women to die of heart disease?
Despite this, men are 50% less likely than women to seek preventative care – making it unsurprising that by the age of 100, there are eight women for every man.*1
There’s a myriad of health challenges facing men today. But what causes some of the most dangerous and common issues? How can we combat them?
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that a person with strong mental health has a high level of wellbeing and can function effectively as an individual within a wider community. However, a common challenge to our health is the feeling of burnout. This has a number of potential causes, such as feeling overloaded in the workplace, subject to a loss of control or insufficient reward for your work, or the breakdown of relations between yourself and your family, friends or community.
Individuals with higher levels of resilience experience greater levels of success in managing and mitigating the effects of burnout – and resilience can be improved. Getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, as well as having regular meals and frequent breaks, can help to boost your immune system. Talking with family and friends, or confiding your thoughts and feelings in a diary, has also proven to be beneficial in helping you process thoughts and feelings.
Another common health condition affecting men is heart disease, which can be brought on through a variety of factors such as diet and cardiovascular fitness.
A key issue in heart health is the maintenance of healthy blood pressure. The condition is a ‘silent killer’ as, for many people, there are no obvious symptoms. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to check your numbers with a straightforward blood pressure test. Early treatment of the condition is critical because, if left unchecked, it can cause a heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage. Additional checks of blood cholesterol every four to six years are recommended for men over 20, while all adults aged 45 and over should get their blood sugar levels checked routinely.
Prostate and testicular cancers are a common affliction for men in all walks of life. Regular screening is recommended to detect any issues prior to the onset of symptoms. Prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, or in those with a family history of prostate cancer.
With testicular cancer, usually only one testicle is affected. Symptoms can include a small, painless lump on the testicle, pain in the scrotum, a feeling of ‘heaviness’ in the groin, or a dull ache in the lower abdominal area. Left untreated it can spread throughout the body, though the condition is relatively rare. It mainly affects younger men aged 15 to 40 years. However, testicular cancer can often be cured if it is detected early enough.
Early intervention is key in all aspects of mental and physical health – and a wealth of support is out there for anyone looking to ensure they are supported.
To find out more about International SOS and how it can support you in protecting your mental and physical health, contact Claire Westbrook-Keir, Director of Key Account Management: claire.westbrook@internationalsos.com.
1 The World Health Organization (WHO)
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