June is a time to celebrate fathers and father figures, but every day is important in men’s health. Any man dealing with chronic health problems or struggling to determine what’s impacting his well-being needs the ongoing support of an empathic doctor. Managing chronic conditions is a lifelong obligation, but a thorough, understanding medical team can make it easier for men of every age and stage of life to prioritize their health.
Why Men May Struggle to Manage Their Health
Culturally, men are tasked with the jobs of being tough and impenetrable. They may put personal wellness and preventive care at the bottom of their list and delay seeking medical help when needed. A sign of true strength, though, is putting your health first, especially when there are clear indications that something isn’t right with your body or mind.
Some of the biggest health risks for men include poor management of the following:
- Work-life balance. Work stress and little free time, along with worrying about finances, family, or other obligations.
- Diet and lifestyle. Not eating well, not exercising enough, or engaging in high-risk behaviors like smoking or excessive drinking.
- Medical care. Avoiding annual checkups and screenings, not taking medication as prescribed, and neglecting to follow-up with specialists.
- Stress. Doing little to nothing to reduce or prevent burnout and overwhelm.
- Isolation. Having a lackluster network of family, friends, or community to provide support and encouragement.
Common Chronic Conditions in Men
Not every man, of course, is anti-medical care. Many men are fully aware of their risks of developing a chronic condition, especially when the health problem is genetic. Early detection of the following conditions can minimize complications and help men live full, rich, long lives through consistent management.
- Heart disease. Chronic heart disease develops over time and results in symptoms like shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and fatigue. With treatment, it is possible to manage these signs before they develop into high cholesterol, heart attack, or stroke.
- Diabetes. Though associated with a sedentary lifestyle and obesity, diabetes is also hereditary, making some men predisposed to developing this chronic condition unless they manage their diet, movement, and lifestyle.
- Depression. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can affect anyone, but men may be less likely to speak up and express that they are struggling, while mental health struggles can also present differently. These chronic conditions can be treated and do not have to be inevitably debilitating.
- Respiratory diseases. Men are at risk of chronic respiratory conditions like asthma, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially men who smoke or have excessive exposure to pollutants.
Routine Screenings and Preventive Care from Swetech Medical Center
Ultimately, the way for men to manage chronic conditions is by partnering with their chosen medical team to help them develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular medical care, eating healthy, exercising, reducing stress, and getting routine screenings can significantly alter health – with or without existing chronic conditions – and longevity. Contact me, Dr. Jon Swetech, to schedule an annual wellness visit at Swetech Medical Center.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
