According
to the Health365 website, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008
shows that the leading health issues and causes of death among Australian men
include, in order from first to last:
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Lung cancer
- Stroke
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases
- Prostate cancer
- Colon and rectal cancer
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Blood and lymph cancer, including leukaemia
- Suicide
It
has also been reported that 3 men for every 2 women die from preventable
health problems. The Centre for Advancement of Men’s Health (a
leader in Australian men’s health) says compared to women, men also visit
doctors less frequently and for shorter periods, and only when their illness is
in its later stages.
Sadly,
the male propensity for putting off the visit to the Doctor can often lead to
major health problems, and even death. All it takes is a few simple lifestyle changes
and most of these health issues can be prevented.
Ischaemic heart disease
Lack
of exercise, stress, smoking and an unhealthy diet can lead to high blood
pressure and cholesterol. Both of these
factors have been shown to be precursors to heart disease and heart attacks.
How
to prevent it
Exercise
more and eat smaller, healthier meals each day that include at least five
servings of fruits and vegetables, and include fatty fish such as Atlantic
salmon, at least twice a week. Reduce your intake of refined and sugary foods
and salt. Control your weight and learn to manage your stress.
Lung cancer
Cigarette
smoking is the major cause of lung cancer, and is responsible in about 90
percent of cases in Australia.
How
to prevent it
The
main weapon against this disease will always be prevention, and that means
giving up smoking, or better still, not starting in the first place.
Stroke
In
2011 there were estimated 60 000 new and recurrent strokes in Australia. One
in five people having a first-ever stroke die within one month while one in
three die within a year.
How
to prevent it
A
balanced diet of fresh foods is critical. It is important to maintain a balance
between exercise and food intake; in other words, use up more calories than you
eat and keep your weight under control. Quit smoking. Reduce your alcohol
intake. Vitamin B is believed to have an active role in the prevention of
stroke, so a diet high in the B vitamin group is recommended.
Chronic lower respiratory diseases
Chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and other
respiratory illnesses all fall under the broad grouping of chronic lower
respiratory disease. Smoking is the major cause of these illnesses, accounting
for about 80 percent of them.
How
to prevent it
Don’t
smoke, and if you do, quit. Minimise your exposure to chemicals and outdoor air
pollution. Wash your hands often and see you doctor about a yearly flu or
pneumonia vaccine.
Prostate cancer
The Prostate
Cancer Foundation of Australia reports that close to 3,300 mend die of prostate
cancer each year in Australia. They also
report that close to 20 000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Men over the age of 50 are at most risk of
developing prostate cancer however, younger men with a history of prostate
cancer in their family have an increased risk.
How
to prevent it
If
it is diagnosed in its early stages, prostate cancer can be cured. Get yours early
detection is the key.
Colon and rectal cancer
The
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program estimates that Bowel Cancers are one of
the most common internal cancers, with the second highest fatality rate behind
lung cancer. Of the 80 bowel cancer
deaths in Australia every week, men make up 54 percent of that number.
How
to prevent it
For
now, no cancer is completely preventable.
The medical experts do believe that eating a healthy diet and exercising
regularly could prevent 66 to 75 percent of bowel cancer cases.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
There
are currently over 321 000 Australians living with Alzheimer’s or other forms
of dementia. The disease most commonly occurs after age 65 but is tragically on
the rise among people in their 30′s, 40′s and 50′s.
How
to prevent it
There’s
no known cure for Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, there are drugs available
that provide some improvement in cognitive functioning in mild to moderate
Alzheimer’s cases. Drugs can also be prescribed for secondary symptoms such as
restlessness or depression.
Diabetes
Approximately
1 million Australians have been diagnosed with diabetes. The prevalence of type
2 diabetes rises with age and is higher in men than in women and higher in the
Indigenous population than the Non-Indigenous population. As a result, the
disease was declared a national health priority by the Federal Government in
1997.
How
to prevent it
Diabetes
prevention strategies must be a priority
if you’re overweight or have a family history of the disease. Prevention is as simple
as eating balance, healthy diet,
becoming more physically active and shedding body fat.
Blood and lymph cancer, including leukaemia
Leukaemias,
lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders can develop in anyone, of any
age, at any time. Typically more Australian males are diagnosed with and die
from leukaemias, lymphomas and myeloma than females.
How
to prevent it
There
is no known preventative measures for most types of leukemia. Most people with
leukemia do not have known risk factors. A risk factor is anything that raises
your chances of getting a disease. Some types of leukemia may be prevented by
avoiding high doses of radiation, exposure to the chemical benzene, smoking and
other tobacco use.
Suicide
This
is one of the leading causes of death for Australian men aged 44 or
younger. Statistics suggest that Australian
men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and men use more
violent means to end their lives. Depression, relationship breakdowns, finances
and alcohol are some of the reasons.
How to
prevent it
If
you’re thinking about suicide, seek professional help or speak to a friend or
family member. Anyone concerned about depression should speak to their GP or
call the BeyondBlue Helpline on 1300 22 4636. For urgent help call Lifeline on
13 11 14.
Talking
openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings could save yours, or a friend’s,
life.
Now
that you know what the Top Ten Leading Health Issues and Causes of Deaths for
Australian men are, what will you do about it?
Will you sit quietly by waiting for the Grim Reaper, or will you take
control of your life and make the changes that will save your life?
The
choice is entirely in your hands.
Contact me to discuss how I can help you avoid becoming one of the
statistics.
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