June is Men’s Health Month, a time to raise awareness of the health conditions that  affect men and promote their early detection and treatment. According to a report by the CDC, men are 33% less likely than women to visit their doctor. It’s believed this could be partly due to social norms surrounding masculinity, with men not wanting to appear “weak” or vulnerable. This means that men are more likely to receive a late diagnosis, which often leads to poorer health outcomes.

This Father’s Day, what better gift than to encourage your dad to take care of his health and go to the doctor early with any concerns. And if you’re a dad, what better way to care for your family than by making sure you’re around for them for many years to come.

Below, we’ve listed three health concerns that commonly affect men and some tips to help spot and prevent them.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is a buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries that can lead to a heart attack and heart failure. According to the Canadian Government, men get diagnosed with heart disease 10 years earlier than women on average and are twice as likely to have a heart attack. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and cutting down on alcohol can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. Early detection and management of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can also help reduce your risk of heart disease, so be sure to get these checked regularly.

Depression

According to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, depression is diagnosed in women twice as often as in men. However, men account for a staggering four out of five deaths by suicide, suggesting depression in men is much more common then we think. Men might be undiagnosed with depression because they often present different symptoms compared to women, such as feelings of anger, irritability, and aggression, which aren’t as commonly associated with depression. Other symptoms men may experience include difficulty sleeping, loss of interest in work, family, or hobbies, or physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tight chest, headaches, or digestive issues.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, know that there’s no shame in speaking to your doctor. They may prescribe talking therapy or medication to help manage your condition. They may also recommend self-help tips, such as healthy eating, moving your body more, avoiding alcohol and drugs, reducing stress, or keeping a journal.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canadian men – one in eight men will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. The good news is that it metastasizes slowly, and if it is diagnosed before it spreads outside the prostate, it can often be completely removed. Men should have regular prostate exams to screen for cancer from the recommended age of 50 (or 45 if you’re at higher risk). You should also go to your doctor if you have the following symptoms: problems peeing, pain or burning while you pee, blood in your urine or semen, pain in your back, hips, and pelvis, and painful ejaculation.

Going to the doctor when you first realize something doesn’t feel right is the best way to sort the problem and put your mind at rest. So, this Father’s Day, give a gift to your loved ones by prioritizing your own health.

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://www.healthline.com/health/top-10-health-risks-for-men#hiv-and-aids

https://www.webmd.com/men/features/mens-top-5-health-concerns

https://www.drugwatch.com/health/men/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/opinion-men-mental-health-1.5871935

https://theconversation.com/men-more-reluctant-to-go-to-the-doctor-and-its-putting-them-at-risk-57420

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/heart-disease-canada.html

https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/48856.html

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/men-and-depression

https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/understanding-and-finding-help-for-depression/

https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/prostate

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/symptoms.htm