Men often look after their cars or gadgets more than their health and it is possible that lack of awareness, poor health education and unhealthy work and personal lifestyles cause men to have a lower life expectancy than women (79.4 years for men and 83.1 for women in 2019). My experience of running Walnut Grove, has led me to believe that women are proactive about their health whilst men do not make the time and are often uncomfortable being examined or touched, especially in sensitive areas. If you think something is amiss it is imperative to seek an early opinion. Treatment can be very successful, especially if started without delay.
Shockingly, whenever you talk about men’s health, you have to start with suicide. According to the Office of National Statistics, the figure was 16.9 suicides per 100,000 men in England and Wales in 2020. Men aged 45-49 remain at the highest risk of suicide although suicide is the single biggest killer of men below the age of 45. Sadly, 12 men take their own lives every day in the UK.
Many factors make men more vulnerable to suicide. Men are often under pressure to appear strong and not show signs of weakness. This means they are less likely to talk about the issues they are facing or to seek help when struggling with their mental health. Sometimes pride is part of the equation and men may think they can handle their issues on their own. They may also worry about being a burden to others. Furthermore, men are more likely than women to respond to stress with risky behaviour such as abusing alcohol, which increases the risk of suicide by up to eight times.
Some of the suicide warning signs to look out for in your friends, family or co-workers include:
- Talk about wanting to die or being a burden to others
- Withdrawing or appearing isolated
- Extreme mood swings
- Drug or alcohol misuse
- Expressions of anger, hopelessness or disconnection
- Giving away possessions
- Giving up previously loved activities
- Writing goodbye letters
Please act if you suspect someone you know might be at risk; you could save a life.
Other conditions affecting men in the UK
Accidents
Unintentional injury is a leading cause of death for men. This includes drowning, traumatic brain injuries and firework-related mishaps. Motor vehicle death rates for male drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 are almost twice that of females in a typical year. Male workers incurred 92% of the 5,524 total reported fatal occupational injuries in 2006. It could be argued that men are more likely to be in dangerous occupations but men should always think safety first.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK but can largely be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. CVD develops 7-10 years earlier in men than women although it is definitely not just a problem for men.
Types of CVD
There are four main types:
- Coronary heart disease
This occurs when the flow of blood to the heart muscle is blocked or reduced.
- Strokes and TIA’s
Stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, most commonly by a clot but also by a bleed. TIA is when the blood supply is temporarily interrupted but the symptoms rapidly improve.
Remember the mnemonic FAST if you suspect someone is having a stroke or TIA:
F = Face The face may have dropped on one side or the patient may only be able to smile on one side.
A = Arms Ask the patient to lift both arms up to horizontal and one side will drop.
S = Speech This may be slurred or garbled or the patient may not be able to speak at all.
T = Tongue This is a new one. When the patient pokes out his or her tongue it will not be straight.
- Peripheral artery disease
This is where there is a blockage of the blood supply to one of the limbs, usually the legs. You can spot early signs with a change in colour and/or loss of hair, which can lead on to sores or ulcers. There may also be dull cramping or pain when using the limb, which improves on rest. Numbness or weakness can also be present.
- Aortic aneurysm
This is when the aorta has a swelling that causes a weakness and it can burst, usually with fatal consequences. Often there are no symptoms that an aneurysm is developing. The NHS offers a screening service for men over the age of 65.
Liver disease
Your liver is the size of a football and it helps you to digest food and absorb nutrients. It also rids your body of toxic substances. Alcohol and tobacco use, which are higher in men, increase the chances of developing liver disease.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a disease of lifestyle. Being overweight with a poor diet and a lack of exercise can lead to type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to nerve and kidney damage, heart disease and stroke, and even vision problems or blindness. Men with diabetes face a risk of lower testosterone levels and sexual impotence which can lead to increased depression or anxiety.
Respiratory conditions
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), influenza and pneumonia are more common in men than women and men are 25% more likely to die from these diseases. Men with compromised immune systems due to diseases such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, sickle cell anaemia, AIDS, or cancer are more susceptible to these illnesses.
Skin cancer
Men are more than twice as likely to die of melanoma than women. 60% of all melanoma deaths are in white men over the age of 50. You can help protect against skin cancer by wearing long sleeves and pants, hats with wide brims, sunglasses, and sunscreen when outdoors. You can also lower your risk of skin cancer by avoiding exposure to UV light sources, such as tanning beds or sunlamps.
HIV and AIDS
Men who are infected with HIV may not realise it, as initial symptoms may mimic a cold or flu. Levels of HIV are higher in men. HIV is now very treatable and mostly does not influence life expectancy.
Prostate/testicular cancers
These are found in different age groups and are obviously only found in men! Testicular Cancer affects young men and, just as women should examine their breasts regularly, men should check their testicles and have any lumps or bumps investigated quickly.
Prostate cancer is found at the other end of the age scale and is very common. It is thought that almost 100% of men over the age of 80 will have prostate cancer insitu (not spreading). The most common symptoms are as follow:
- A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Difficulty stopping or starting urination
- Sudden erectile dysfunction
- Blood in urine or semen
Final message – be proactive
Now that you know more about the health risks affecting men, the next step is to change your habits and become proactive about your personal health. Addressing your health can be scary but avoiding it altogether can be deadly. Speak to us at Walnut Grove or your GP if you are concerned. Please do not let embarrassment cause long term illness or even death. You will not be wasting anyone’s time and tackling things early will always result in a better outcome.
