FALLS CHURCH, Va. — According to the National Institutes of Health, compared to women, men are more likely to smoke, drink, make unhealthy choices and delay regular checkups and medical care. While mental health issues are more common in women, men are much less likely to seek care. 

Many of the major health risks faced by men can be prevented or treated with early diagnosis, according to NIH. Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Lori Diseati, chief of Health Promotions, Air Force Medical Operations Agency, encourages men to adhere to recommended screenings and routine check-ups, including mental health care, which can lead to fuller, healthier lives. 

In the U.S., the top causes of death among adult men include heart disease, stroke, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to Diseati, 70 percent of diseases that kill are preventable. Lifestyle changes can significantly lower the risk of the greatest health threats. 

Diseati provided these men’s health tips and guidance for better health and better care: 

-  Significant health benefits can be realized by losing as little as 10 percent of your body weight. Exercising as little as 10 minutes a day can lead to an increased lifespan. The recommended target for each week is 150 minutes of exercise. 

-  Stress and poor sleep contribute to heart attacks and stroke. Regular physical activity can help to reduce stress and is associated with lower rates of dementia, better libido and better mental health. It is recommended that adults get at least six to seven hours of restorative sleep each night. If you do not feel refreshed after a night’s rest on two or more nights per week, seek help from a primary care provider to learn how to get better sleep. 

-  Men 20 and older are at an increased risk for heart disease. Factors which can increase this risk include a strong family history of heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure and leading a sedentary lifestyle. 

-  Men age 35 and older should be screened for cholesterol disorder. Health care providers can administer a blood test for screening. 

-  For men 50 and older, regular screening is critical to preventing colorectal cancer. Men with a family history of cancer or who have other diseases should get screened more frequently and see a specialist about this recommendation. Prostate cancer is no longer heavily screened. However starting at age 40, men should have a discussion with their primary care manager to discuss if screening is necessary. 

-  Men who have been regular smokers should have a screening for aortic aneurysm. An ultrasound of the aorta is recommended for men between the ages of 65 and 70. 

 “In terms of health behavior and a healthy lifestyle, there is a strong movement towards mindfulness – the state of active, open attention to the present,” said Diseati. “When we observe our actions, we can make better decisions if we step back and think about why we are making the decisions we make. It is important to be more deliberate in our actions. This is the foundation for making desired health changes.” 

For more information on approaching your lifestyle in a mindful way, contact your local military treatment facility or health promotion coordinator. 

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