A comprehensive guide to men’s health
[6 MIN READ]
In this article:
- Some of the most important preventive screenings for men include those for testicular, prostate, colon and lung cancer.
- If you are experiencing low levels of testosterone, you may be a candidate for testosterone therapy.
- Watch your diet and exercise regularly to avoid heart disease, diabetes and other health problems.
A comprehensive guide to men’s health
In 2021, the difference between how long American men and women live increased to 5.8 years — the largest gap since 1996. This statistic, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2023, has given many researchers a lot to ponder.
While you may have known that women live longer than men, it’s jarring to see the proof in such stark numbers. In this article, Providence shows why that’s true — and why it doesn’t necessarily have to be.
Why men’s health matters
The JAMA paper found that the gap between men’s and women’s lifespans has been widening because of a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the opioid overdose epidemic. But it’s also because men tend to delay doctor’s visits.
There are four big reasons why men are less likely than women to see their doctor for their overall health:
- Fear of bad news – Some men would rather ignore symptoms than find out it indicates something bad.
- Overconfidence – Some surveys have found that men don’t feel they need annual wellness checkups.
- Fear others will see them as weak – Societal norms often dictate that men should “tough it out.”
- Embarrassment – It can be difficult for some men to share sensitive problems with doctors, such as erectile dysfunction or bladder control issues.
Preventive care and early detection
Yet, a simple preventive health routine can go a long way toward improving many men’s health.
“It takes a team approach, engaging with our patients, understanding what drives them,” said Providence physician Dan Getz, D.O. “The vast majority of the problems are preventable if you have a good relationship with a primary care provider.”
Some of the most important preventive health screenings for men include:
- Colon cancer screenings – starting at age 45
- Lung cancer screenings for men with a longstanding history of tobacco use – starting at age 50
- Prostate cancer screenings – starting at age 50
Testosterone, sexual health and aging
Sexual health can be an uncomfortable topic for some men, but it’s incredibly important. “There is strength in vulnerability,” said Dr. Getz. “Men’s health is about being able and willing to discuss issues. The last thing we want to see is men who delay seeking care — we have to shift that mentality.”
Testosterone is not only involved in sexual health — low levels of testosterone can cause depression, anxiety and problems with concentration and sleep. If you’ve experienced low testosterone, you may benefit from testosterone therapy.
If a man is a candidate for testosterone therapy, said Dr. Getz, “we see a reduction in heart disease and stroke, cholesterol improves, they lose weight, they have better sexual function and often they’re happier.”
But not all men are candidates for testosterone therapy, such as those who have heart problems or sleep apnea. Discuss it with your primary care provider to identify if you have symptoms related to low testosterone.
The role of workouts, nutrition and sleep in men’s health
While screenings and testosterone therapy are a vital part of a man’s preventive health routine, it’s also imperative to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That includes exercising, eating a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep.
“Diet and exercise are important pillars in preventing diabetes, heart disease and stroke,” said Dr. Getz. “Physical activity is important for maintaining good cardiovascular and brain function, and a balanced diet matters.”
And a regular sleep schedule can make a huge difference in a man’s mental health and quality of life. “We can make mild strategic changes and incorporate behaviors that can lead to better sleep,” said Dr. Getz. “If you give the brain time to relax and rest, you wake up with a better perspective.”
Mental and emotional well-being in men
For decades, there has been a stigma surrounding mental health concerns in men. Some men believe they are showing “weakness” if they seek mental health care, and they fear that others will think less of them.
“When we talk about the mind-body-spirit, it’s hard to think of anything more important than mental health,” said Dr. Getz. “We need to get past the stigma that people have, especially men, talking about their feelings, their emotions or even the thought of struggling.”
“At Providence,” Dr. Getz continued, “we don’t want patients to feel like there are things they can’t tell their physician. We want our patients to come into our offices feeling like they’re seeing a trusted confidant, and feeling like they have a relationship with their health care provider that is almost as sacred as they have with anybody else.
The more stressed and anxious you are, the more it can affect your physical health — leading to other major problems. It’s important to ask your primary care provider to refer you to a mental health provider for any mental health challenges.
Taking charge of your health: Next steps and resources
There’s one common denominator for all of Dr. Getz’s advice — the importance of a primary care provider. When you see your provider annually, they can help you with all of the above health issues and ask probing questions that might reveal another challenge.
Don’t wait — make an appointment today.
Looking for more men's health content? Listen to our podcast with Dr. Andrew West:
Contributing caregivers
Daniel Getz, D.O., is chief medical officer, Providence Inland Northwest Washington.
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Related resources
Good sleep can improve men's mental and overall health
Exercise and nutrition lead to optimal men's health
Understanding prostate cancer screening
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.
