3
top
killers
of
men
and what you
can do about
them
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325-481-2343.
1
HEART DISEASE
It’s the No. 1 cause of
death for men in the U.S., reports the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It develops slowly as a waxy, cholesterol-
based substance called plaque builds up inside
coronary arteries, causing them to narrow.
These narrowed blood vessels are then less
able to nourish the heart muscle.
Plaque can also rupture, resulting in a blood
clot that can block blood flow to the heart.
Reduced or blocked blood flow can trigger a
heart attack.
Long-term heart disease can lead to heart
failure, a condition in which the heart becomes
too weak to pump an adequate supply of blood.
Risks for heart disease include:
●
Unhealthy blood pressure or cholesterol
levels. Both can be detected with routine tests.
●
Excess body weight. Check your body
mass index (BMI) to see if your weight is un-
healthy for your height. Find a BMI calculator
at
. Type “BMI” into the
search box.
●
Diabetes. Ask your doctor if you should be
screened.
Besides having regular screening tests, men
can lower their heart disease risk by forming
healthy habits. For many, that starts with eating
a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise and
losing any extra pounds.
2
CANCER
The most common cancers
for men are prostate cancer, lung cancer and
colorectal cancer, according to CDC. Of those,
lung cancer is the most deadly.
●
Lung cancer is usually caused by smoking.
If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do, try to
quit. For help, go to
or talk with your doctor.
●
Prostate cancer risk increases with age.
Most cases occur among men over age 5. It’s
also more likely among African Americans
and men with a family history of the disease.
There are screening tests for prostate cancer,
but there is some debate about who should be
screened and when. Talk with your doctor to
see if screening is right for you.
●
Colorectal cancer is also linked to aging.
The risk goes up starting at age 50.
A number of screening tests for the disease
are available. Your doctor can help you decide
which test is best.
One test, a colonoscopy, allows a doctor
to examine the entire colon and immediately
remove any suspicious tissues, including
precancerous growths called polyps that can
eventually become dangerous.
Besides regular screening, a diet featuring
plenty of fruits, vegetables and other high-fiber
foods may reduce colorectal cancer risk.
3
UNINTENTIONAL INJURIES
Overall,
accidents are to blame for 1 in visits to hospi-
tal emergency departments in the U.S., accord-
ing to government statistics. Among males
15 to years old, the top causes of accidental
death include motor vehicle crashes, drown-
ing and falls.
To help yourself and others stay safe, be
careful:
On the road.
Buckle up, watch your speed,
follow all traffic laws and get plenty of rest
before you get behind the wheel. If you’re on
a motorbike or bicycle, wear a helmet.
Around water.
Learn to swim, and never
swim alone. Wear a life jacket while boating.
At home.
Avoid falls by fixing or removing
tripping hazards like power cords and loose
rugs. Always grab the handrail when going up
or down the stairs, and be sure to use ladders
safely. And, to help prevent serious injuries
from home fires, be sure smoke detectors are
working.
Finally, know the risks of alcohol. Drinking
can play a big role in causing unintentional in-
juries. Never mix alcohol with driving, boating
or operating other machinery.
Accidents aside, alcohol can also lead to
heart trouble, certain cancers and other health
problems.
If alcohol is causing problems in your life,
ask your doctor for help.
S P R I N G 2 0 1 4
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H E A L T H
B E A T
