In recent years, everyone has been celebrating International Women’s Day with gusto every March. On the other hand, people tend to forget about International Men’s Day. What? There’s an International Men’s Day? Of course there is, and it’s today. Instead of taking the usual route of talking about rights and equality, gentlemen, let’s start with yourselves. Some health problems are more prevalent in men than women, so it’s time to find out what they are. It’s no secret that you probably take better care of your car than yourself, but now’s a good time for a health check, especially once you’re done reading.
1) Heart Disease
Otherwise known as cardiovascular disease (CVD), men are twice as likely than women to suffer from heart attacks throughout life. Till today, experts are still unable to pinpoint exactly why, even after taking lifestyle, health habits, hormones and other factors into consideration. However, certain factors seem to increase the likelihood of heart diseases, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, and being physically inactive among others.
2) Haemophilia
Haemophilia is a rare condition that impairs the blood’s ability to clot. Usually inherited, haemophilia is an almost-exclusively male-specific condition. The main symptom that you suffer from haemophilia will be well, that you don’t stop bleeding for a long time. Other symptoms include bleeding gums, easily-bruised skin, and pain and stiffness around the joints due to internal bleeding.
3) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
You probably know that the aorta is the major blood vessel supplies blood to the body. It also runs from the heart through the centre of your chest and abdomen. When the lower part of the aorta becomes enlarged, it becomes an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and this condition is about 6 times more prevalent in men than women. Men, get yourselves checked, because it’s not always easy to spot an AAA, and it can get larger and rupture over time, causing life-threatening bleeding.
4) Skin Cancer
Men are twice as likely to die from skin cancer than women, although death by skin cancer is considered rare. First of all, this is because men are less likely to protect themselves from the sun. Yeah men, do you apply sunscreen, or cover up your skin with long-sleeved clothing or at least a hat when you’re out in the sun? Secondly, men’s skin are more likely to suffer damage from the sun’s UV rays due to the skin’s components. The easiest way to avoid this? Stay out of the sun.
5) Antisocial Personality Disorder
Also known as sociopathy, antisocial personality disorder is a serious condition. Sufferers have no idea of right or wrong, are manipulative, and may engage in criminal activity. On top of that, they don’t feel remorse or guilt for their actions. Someone who is sociopathic may appear charismatic on the surface, only to wrap you around their finger and get you to do what they want. They are usually professional liars, and somehow this disorder is more prevalent in men than women.
6) Autism
According to WebMD, autism is a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors. Even though boys are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls, it could be that autism symptoms in girls are underreported, or that girls are better at hiding their difficulties. Theories have suggested brain anatomy makes a difference, but there is no definitive conclusion yet.
7) Suicide
I know, suicide is a cause of death, not a health problem. But the quality of mental health leads to suicidal thoughts, and then the act itself. Studies have shown that women may be more prone to depression and suicidal thoughts, but more men die by suicide. Men are less likely to seek help if they’re depressed, not wanting to seem weak. However, when it all becomes too much, they end their lives instead, and most people don’t even catch on to anything at all. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s high time it stops being a taboo subject. We go to the doctor when we’re sick, so why not a counsellor/therapist if our brain is “sick” too? If you’re ever in need of someone to talk to, do call the Befrienders at 03-7956 8145.
Happy International Men’s Day to all the lovely gentlemen out there, and remember to take care of yourselves!
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