By Ernst Lamothe Jr.
Men’s health encompasses everything from physical, mental and social aspects. Health challenges can include chronic conditions to acute illnesses. Men are also at risk of suffering from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, depression and anxiety. These risks range from lifestyle choices such as poor diet, stress and lack of exercise to biological and genetic factors.
“In general, men often have a higher percentage of chronic diseases such as obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease and elevated rates of cancer,” said physician John Fudyma, interim division chief of general internal medicine at the University at Buffalo Medical Department.
Fudyma, who is affiliated with Erie County Medical Center, discusses five aspects of men’s health.
1. Myths
One of the most overall common myths that patients share with their physician is that they feel healthy so there is no need to see a doctor. However there is a clear distinction between feeling well and being healthy.
“Men have a tendency to ignore their health,” said Fudyma. “They tend to wait until they have symptoms. For some reason, men sometimes think it is a sign of weakness to go see the doctor or talk about mental health and depression. We have to make it more acceptable to talk about your feelings.”
2. Risk factors
Several risk factors increase the chances of developing health problems.
Twelve percent of men 18 and older are in fair or poor health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, more than 50% of men older than 20 have hypertension.
Colon cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers around. Colorectal cancer occurs when there is beyond control growth of abnormal cancerous cells in the colon. The colon is a tube-like structure in the large intestine connecting to the small intestine, which removes water, few nutrients and electrolytes from partially digested food. The American Cancer Society estimates that one in 23 men develops colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
“Men should consider getting screened at 45 and even as early as 40 if they have any family history,” said Fudyma.
3. See a physician
All men should have a yearly wellness visit to screen for potential diseases. Bloodwork to check cholesterol levels and screen for diabetes is important.
“Regular screenings can help us detect conditions such as diabetes and cancer. Even something like knowing your BMI and talking about your family history will create an accurate patient profile and help us if any chronic conditions are on the horizon,” said Fudyma.
He also suggested people find out more about the new respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, or RSV. It is a vaccine which prevents infection by respiratory syncytial virus. The RSV vaccines Arexvy and Abrysvo were both approved for medical use in the United States in May 2023. Older adults, in particular those with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems, are at high risk for severe disease caused by RSV.
4. Smoking and drinking
Tobacco kills more than eight million people each year and more than seven million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use, according to the World Health Organization. Around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
“If I could tell people one health tip, it would be telling them to either never pick up smoking or vaping or quit immediately,” Fudyma said. “The risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease significantly increases if you are a smoker. You also increase your risk of stroke.”
He also warned men about drinking too much.
“Men have a tendency to increase their alcohol intake more than normal. There is a difference between having one drink a day and deciding to have four at a time,” Fudyma added.
5. Early detection
Early detection is one of the greatest tools to prevent severe illness and death. By screening regularly, physicians can decrease the extent and severity of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancers. “Prevention in general is essential when it comes to diseases,” said Fudyma. “That is why it is important to stay up to date on your immunization, especially something as simple as a flu shot when the season comes. We could make an impact if more people get vaccinated.“
Health experts from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force have made recommendations, based on scientific evidence about various ailments. Talk to your doctor about prostate health, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, colorectal cancer, diabetes, depression, sexually transmitted diseases and other screenings.
Top image: Physician John Fudyma, interim division chief of general internal medicine at the University at Buffalo Medical Department. He practices at Erie County Medical Center.