DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog

June is National Men's Health Awareness Month, and a good time to increase your awareness of some preventable health problems that men tend to face.  The most recent data made available by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that 80% of all male deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to one of only ten causes.  By avoiding the risks associated with these top ten, men can significantly improve their health and potentially extend their lives. 

Following are the current leading causes of death for men, regardless of race, along with some corresponding advice from experts at the Mayo Clinic about how to lessen the risk of each:

1.  Heart Disease:

• "Don't smoke or use other tobacco products.
• Eat a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Have your cholesterol tested.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
• Get regular blood pressure checks.
• Take a daily dose of aspirin, if your doctor OKs it."

2.  Cancer:

• "Don't smoke or use other tobacco products.
• Eat a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Limit your exposure to sun and use sunscreen.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
• Be aware of potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) in your home and workplace, and take steps to reduce your exposure to these substances.
• Have regular preventive health screenings.
• Know your family medical history and review it with your doctor."

3.  Unintentional Injuries:

• "Use your seat belt every time you drive.
• Don't exceed speed limits.
• Don't drive after drinking alcohol.
• Don't drive while sleepy or under the influence of drugs.
• Place carbon monoxide and smoke detectors near bedrooms in your house.
• Have fuel-burning appliances inspected each year.
• Store household products in their original containers.
• Read and follow label instructions for household products.
• Turn on a light when giving or taking medicine and follow label instructions.
• Ventilate areas in which you use chemical products.
• Post the poison control number, 800-222-1222, by each telephone in your home."

4.  Stroke:

• "Lower your intake of cholesterol and saturated fat. Get your cholesterol checked.
• Get regular blood pressure checks, and if it's higher than normal, take measures to control it.
• Don't smoke.
• Control diabetes.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Manage stress.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Talk with your doctor about taking a daily dose of aspirin."

5.  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

• "Don't smoke.
• Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Minimize exposure to workplace chemicals."

6.  Diabetes:

• "Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a varied diet, rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods.
• Get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
• Get your fasting blood sugar level checked periodically.
• Know your family's diabetes history and discuss it with your doctor."

7.  Influenza and pneumonia:

• "A yearly flu shot is up to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza in healthy adults.
• The pneumococcal vaccine can reduce the risk of getting pneumonia by more than half."

8.  Suicide:

• "If you find yourself avoiding others, feeling hostile and worthless, thinking about death and using alcohol and drugs to numb your pain, talk with your doctor.
• In an urgent situation, an emergency room or crisis center can help.
• Friends or family members may be the first to notice your uncharacteristic behavior. Take their advice and seek help.
• If you or someone you love is depressed, remove any access to firearms in the home.
• Don't expect to be able to overcome the feelings of depression without medical help. This is a disease, not something you can 'snap out of'.'"

9.  Kidney Disease:

• "Drink plenty of fluids.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain your proper weight.
• Don't smoke.
• Get checked regularly for diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Limit your use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Take all medications only as directed."

10.  Alzheimer's Disease (Experts are researching the prevention of Alzheimer's, but currently there is no proven way to prevent its onset. Many believe that improving your cardiovascular health can help):

• "Lose weight if you're overweight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Control your blood pressure.
• Keep your cholesterol levels in normal ranges."

Previously, we have posted articles about health symptoms that require immediate attention, potential signs of a health emergency, heart attack and stroke indicators, and the importance of a Men's Health check-up on the DC Metro Medical Malpractice Blog. 

We urge all of our readers to get routine check-ups and take advantage of preventive health services to help safeguard your health.  If you have concerns or questions regarding your health, please contact your health care provider.