Men's Health Neutral Bay, Sydney NSW

There are a few theories about men’s health as to why it is so important. Here are some facts:

• Compared to women, men visit the doctor less frequently, have shorter visits, and visit when their illness is in its later stages. That can be life threatening.
• Australian men are more likely to get sick or affected by a serious health problem compared to Australian women.
• Men die in greater numbers compared to women from almost every non-gender-specific health issue.

From the facts above, men may have a different attitude on their own health which can affect their life expectancy, overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. By monitoring your health more frequently, there may be opportunities to identify and eliminate health concerns before they become an issue.

Heart disease, stroke, suicide, prostate cancer, and lung cancer are the biggest killers of men. Cardiovascular health problems are also a big killer for women however, most deaths are male. Tobacco usage is responsible for 90% of lung cancers so quitting smoking will not only significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer, but also improve your overall health and wellbeing. Other threats of lung cancer include second-hand smoke, exposure to asbestos or radon and air pollution.

Moreover, prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men and the second leading cancer that causes death in men after lung cancer. Unfortunately, there is not enough research to explain what causes prostate cancer or how to prevent it however, it is treatable if found in the early stages.

Discounting gender specific health conditions such as prostate and breast cancer (although men can get breast cancer), men are more at risk of dying from:

• Suicide – 75% of deaths are male.
• Trachea and lung cancers – 60% of deaths are male.
• Blood and lymph cancers (including leukaemia) – 58% of deaths are male.
• Ischaemic heart disease – 57% of deaths are male.
• Colon and rectum cancers – 55% of deaths are male.

Whilst women do get depression and are at risk of suicide, men are more likely to be destructive to deal with it. The result is that 75% of suicides are male. Additionally, depression in males is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other health conditions. Furthermore, men are twice as likely to abuse alcohol and drugs when compared to women. This is likely to make the management and symptoms of depression significantly worse.

Seeing your doctor to treat depression is a great place to start towards a happier and healthier life. There are also plenty of online services available to help men better manage their depression.