Senior health is important, especially for men, who are at higher risk for five common health concerns.
During this month of honoring Dad, it’s the right time to take steps to be sure the men in our lives are as healthy and physically fit as possible. In addition to Father’s Day, June is also designated as Men’s Health Month – something we must all pay attention to, as men are less likely than women to visit the doctor, regardless of a reduced life expectancy and an increased propensity for a full 14 out of 15 of the leading causes of death.
Editor in Chief for the American Journal of Men’s Health, Demetrius Porche, DNS, RN, sums it up: “Men put their health last. Most men’s thinking is, if they can live up to their roles in society, then they’re healthy.”
Encourage the older men in your life to take a proactive stance to healthcare to help reduce their danger of developing these leading men’s health risks:
- Coronary disease. Followed by stroke, cardiovascular illnesses is typically the top reason for death worldwide, and American men are at a particularly increased danger. Precautionary actions to take include checking (and managing) cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and implementing healthier lifestyle choices including eating an abundance of fruits and vegetables, exercising, and quitting smoking.
- Prostate cancer. As many as 200,000 men are anticipated to be told they have prostate cancer this year alone. Men need to speak to their physicians for guidelines on prostate cancer tests.
- Diabetes. Diabetes is a specific concern for males, because it frequently begins without displaying any outward symptoms before progressing to an unhealthy level, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, blindness and amputations. Research indicates that men who work out at least thirty minutes each day can reduce the threat of developing diabetes by half.
- Lung cancer. Up to 90% of lung cancer cases stem from smoking; and the good news is, non-smoking men are at an advantage in preventing the disease. If your senior loved one smokes, encourage him to talk to the doctor for assistance in stopping.
- Depression. Men are just as likely to be impacted by depression as women, but are more inclined to brush their feelings under the rug rather than to seek help. However, it’s important to understand that depression is a treatable issue – but when left untreated, can lead to suicidal thoughts. And even though women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to carry out an attempt to completion.
At Inspired Home Care, providers of the top home health care team throughout Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties including Barrington caregivers, it is our priority to ensure that the seniors in our care are as healthy and well as possible, and enjoying life to the fullest. If you’re worried about senior health, we’re here to provide assistance with a variety of ways: transportation to medical appointments, preparation of healthy meals, encouragement to be involved in exercise programs, and friendly companionship to prevent loneliness – a leading contributor to depression in seniors – at bay. Reach out to us at 847-787-7572 to learn more about our Barrington caregivers and our elder care team serving Chicago and the surrounding area!