Take Charge of Your Health - Common Health Concerns Shared by Men and Women
Time and health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate
until they have been depleted.
-Denis Waitley
Whether you are taking a casual walk with a friend or at a formal dinner party, chances are many of the conversations will revolve around health and wellbeing. Americans are more health conscious than ever before and looking to develop habits that help them stay active, avoid illness, and reduce their health concerns. The most popular lifestyle changes include eating better, exercising more, consuming less alcohol, adopting better sleep habits, and focusing not only on physical health but mental and emotional health. With COVID, those with chronic disease or conditions understood they were among the most vulnerable and needed to take special care to avoid or properly treat the virus if they did test positive.
The health concerns of women and men are not exactly the same. Research tells us that women are most concerned about heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, depression, autoimmune disease, menopause, family planning, sexual health, and bladder health. Meanwhile, men report they are most concerned about heart disease, stroke, suicide/depression, skin, lung, and prostate cancer, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Regardless of our gender, it seems like those of us over 55 years of age are also talking about our aching and stiff joints and whether knee, hip, or shoulder surgeries are likely in our future.
This blog focuses on the top five health issues of concern to both men and women.
Heart Disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. More than one in three women will have some form of cardiovascular disease in their lifetime; in men its greater than 50%. Heart disease is responsible for one in every four male deaths and over 75% of all sudden cardiac events occur in men. Regular wellness appointments, nutrition, exercise, reducing stress levels, and breaking a smoking habit can help prevent heart disease.
Stroke: Strokes are caused by a clot that blocks oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Every four minutes a person dies of a stroke in the U.S. and we should all be aware of the warning signs – a drooping face, weakness or numbness in the arms, and difficulty with speech. If you see these symptoms, is important not to hesitate - call 911 immediately. Strokes can cause paralysis, loss of memory and cognitive function, and slurred speech. The sooner a stroke victim receives treatment, the higher the chance of saving brain function.
Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is at epidemic levels in the U.S. and is equally prevalent among men and women. Type 2 diabetes is closely linked to excessive weight and with nearly 1/3 of American adults being obese, there is a domino effect that greatly increases the chance of heart disease and stroke. Symptoms of diabetes include blurry vision, frequent urination, feeling thirsty and hungry, and fatigue. A simple blood sugar test can help determine your risks and the need for medication.
Cancer: Cancer has a major effect on patients and their families across the U.S. Based on statistics from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), approximately 40% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
According to the NCI: The most common cancers (listed in descending order according to their estimated new cases in 2020) are breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, melanoma of the skin, bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, endometrial cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and liver cancer.
Prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers account for an estimated 43% of all cancers diagnosed in men in 2020. For women, the three most common cancers are breast, lung, and colorectal cancers accounting for an estimated 50% of all new cancer diagnoses in women in 2020.
It may surprise you to know that:
Globally cancer is the second leading cause of death. Heart disease is #1.
Skin cancer is a leading cause of death in men.
Before the age of 50, women are more likely to develop melanoma; after age 50, men are more likely to develop melanoma due to prolonged sun exposure.
Lung cancer is a major risk for both men and women, smokers and nonsmokers.
While breast cancer is the chief cancer concern for women, lung, colon, and uterine cancers are also prevalent.
Prostate cancer is a major concern among men; one in eight men will have prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Wearing sun screen and a hat, regular screening tests (mammograms, colonoscopies), quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise are all important steps to reducing risks of cancer.
Depression: Major depression is one of the most common mental health conditions and the primary driver of suicides and attempted suicides. Nearly 10% of the population suffers from depression, and unfortunately, depression is growing fastest among teens.
Depression is commonly associated with sadness and loss of interest but there can be a wide array of signs including irritability, inability to sleep, lack of focus, and reduced energy levels. Often depression co-occurs with the medical conditions already listed. People with cancer or who have experienced strokes or heart attacks often also suffer from depression. The good news is that the large majority of those who are treated for depression show improvement several months from when they begin taking medication, seek psychotherapy, and/or attend support groups.
While many Americans say COVID-19 helped them to be more observant and focus on their health, research is now revealing that in fact the pandemic has led to: an uptick in unhealthy eating, restricted physical activity, increased alcohol use and smoking, social isolation, loneliness and depression, and greater stress levels due to the insecure economy and anxiety over jobs and finances. The greatest negative impact of COVID has been on the most vulnerable - those with the chronic diseases. Now that things are returning to post pandemic “normal" we need to get back on track with healthy behaviors.
It is easy to become overwhelmed about health issues but worrying only makes matters worse. Instead focus on what you can do in terms of developing and sticking to healthy habits and be sure to speak openly with your doctor about your health risks and lifestyle so they can help you navigate your health priorities.