Prioritizing men’s health is critical to help men avoid disastrous health outcomes. Conditions like prostate cancer and heart disease are highly prevalent among men, and addressing both physical and mental health is essential for preventing these issues. Taking proactive steps like regular checkups, physical activity, and mental health support can significantly affect long-term health outcomes.

Why men’s health matters

Prioritizing health can help men live longer and avoid issues like heart disease, prostate cancer, and mental health disorders. Despite this, cultural norms often make it challenging for men to focus on self-care or ask for support when needed. Alarming statistics show that only 13.4% of men received any mental health treatment when dealing with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, compared with 24.7% of women. 

In addition, life’s demands have become more overwhelming, and men feel the weight. Suicide rates are approximately three times higher among men compared to women, making suicide one of the leading causes of death among youth and young adults between the ages of 15 and 34 years. 

Guy things

Men face health conditions that can have detrimental consequences if not addressed early. Here are some of the most common:

• Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the U.S., with about 1 in 8 men diagnosed at some point in their lives. In 2024 alone, around 299,010 new cases are expected to be diagnosed, and it remains one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, claiming approximately 35,250 lives each year. Early detection through screening is vital, as the five-year survival rate is nearly 100% when diagnosed early​.
• Heart disease: As the leading cause of death among men in the U.S., heart disease kills about 1 in 4 men each year. Factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and smoking significantly increase the risk. 
• Alcohol-related disorders: Alcohol consumption is another significant health risk for men, with about 13% of adult men in the U.S. diagnosed with an alcohol use disorder. Men are more likely than women to binge drink, leading to increased rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations, accidents, and chronic conditions like liver disease. Alcohol-related deaths among men make up nearly two-thirds of all alcohol-related fatalities​. 

By being aware of these risks and seeking early intervention through screenings and lifestyle changes, men can significantly reduce their chances of developing these life-threatening conditions.

6 ways men can prioritize health

1. Get screened

Regular screenings are essential to catch potential health problems early. Men should prioritize annual checkups to monitor key health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Starting at age 45, men should undergo regular screenings for colorectal cancer, with earlier testing if they have a family history of the disease. Prostate cancer screenings typically begin between ages 55 and 69, but those at higher risk may start earlier. Detecting these conditions early can make treatment more effective.

2. Know your numbers

Men should be aware of critical health numbers such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Monitoring these can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. For instance, high blood pressure, which affects over 50% of men in the U.S., can increase the risk of heart disease if left unchecked. Regular monitoring and managing these numbers through lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risks.

3. Regular physical activity

The Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. Regular physical activity can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, improve mental health, and boost overall well-being. Walking, swimming, and weight training are effective ways to stay fit.

4. Eat healthy

A balanced diet is critical for maintaining health. Men should focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats. In addition, incorporating foods that support men’s specific health needs, such as tomatoes for prostate health or oats for heart health, can provide added benefits.

5. Build a support network

Building strong relationships with friends, family, and health professionals is vital for mental and physical health. Men often face societal pressures that discourage discussing emotional struggles, but having a support network encourages openness and can help prevent mental health issues from escalating.

6. Don’t forget about your mental health

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet men are less likely to seek treatment. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common challenges, and men should feel empowered to seek professional help when needed. Practicing mindfulness, sleeping well, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle can improve mental well-being.

Bottom line

Prioritizing health doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency. By focusing on regular screenings, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and taking care of mental health, men can significantly reduce their risks for chronic diseases and improve their overall quality of life. Small, proactive steps today can lead to a healthier future tomorrow.