7 Men's Health Issues Women Need to Understand

While
men are at risk for uniquely male health issues like erectile dysfunction and
prostate cancer, they also have increased risk for other problems because they
experience health challenges differently than women—and they’re less likely to
get regular physicals. You can help the men in your life stay in tip-top shape
by understanding their health risks, sharing healthy habits with them, being
supportive if they’re struggling, and educating them about unhealthy behaviors
and risk factors.

Research
suggests being overweight is twice as dangerous for men than for women. A study
of nearly 4 million men and women across the world showed the risk of death
before age 70 increases by 30% for obese men, compared to 15% for obese women.
Play it safe and team up with the men in your life to eat healthier and
exercise, so you can both drop extra pounds and prolong your lives.

Though
heart disease affects both men and women, the guys are more likely than the
ladies to have their heart stop suddenly. A new study shows roughly 1 in 9 men
will suffer cardiac arrest by age 70, versus 1 in 30 women. Heart disease often
develops earlier in men than women, so the risk of cardiac arrest is higher.
It’s important for men to get screened for cardiac arrest risk factors like
high blood pressure and high cholesterol to stay on top of heart health. 

Osteoporosis
is more often perceived as a women’s issue because women are at risk earlier in
their lives, but starting around age 65, both sexes lose bone density at the
same rate. Smoking and alcohol consumption can weaken bones, while exercise and
vitamin intake can help prevent osteoporosis. Men and women should make sure
they have a daily calcium and vitamin D intake that’s appropriate for their age
and get plenty of weight-bearing exercise, like walking and even dancing, to
support bone health.

If
your partner is experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), the best support you
can offer is to learn more about it. ED is common and affects nearly 1 in 10
men. Though older men may experience changes in their ability to have erections,
ED isn’t a normal part of aging and is usually treatable with medication,
therapy, surgery or sexual aids. It’s important to communicate, listen to your
partner, be supportive, and take an active role in his treatment. Keep a
positive attitude and be open to trying new ways of experiencing intimacy. 

Cancer
is the second leading cause of death in men; 1 in 6 men are diagnosed with
prostate cancer in their lifetime. This type of cancer may stay confined to the
prostate gland, but it can spread to lymph nodes, organs and bones. Symptoms
don’t always show up at first, but some men experience problems with urination,
erections, and back or hip pain. Help your man steer clear of this health issue
by making sure he gets an annual physical, plus a baseline PSA blood test and
rectal exam at age 40. 

While
women tend to worry more when they experience anxiety and depression, men
process their emotions differently and usually have depressive symptoms that
are harder to recognize. Guys may mask their feelings by exercising or working
excessively, engaging in risky behaviors like drinking or gambling, and by
becoming angry and irritable. Men are also more likely to make successful
suicide attempts. How can you help? Listen, offer support, and encourage him to
talk to a professional. Never ignore any suicidal comments or self-destructive
behaviors.

Men
are coming up short when it comes to skin cancer prevention. In a Skin Cancer
Foundation study, only 51% of American men said they used sunscreen in the past
year, and 70% didn’t know the warning signs of skin cancer. The good news is both
men and women can reduce skin cancer risk with a few lifestyle changes, like
staying in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when the sun is at its most
intense), wearing clothing that blocks UV rays, and applying a broad spectrum
sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every day.