Men Veterans Health Facts
Health concerns you should ask your doctor for more information are as follows:
Prostate Cancer: About 30,000 men die of prostate cancer yearly. African Americans men with a family history of prostate cancer are at high risk. Men between the age of 40, age 50 for others should be screened yearly. This may consist of a blood test and a physical exam.
Prostate Disease: BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and prostatitis are also concerns for men.
Both conditions cause the prostate to swell and can cause painful urination. A large percentage of men between the ages of 50 and 60 will develop it in their lifetime.
Erectile Dysfunction:
This deals with male sexual dysfunction, following the introduction of Viagra, offers new hope for men suffering from erectile problems. This problem may be cause by heart disease, diabetes, certain medications, lifestyle, or other problems.
Cardiovascular Disease:
High cholesterol and high blood pressure are usually associated with heart disease and stroke; however, this medical condition can be controlled with diet, exercise or medication.
Testicular Cancer:
Testicular cancer is commonly found men ages 15-35 or can occur any time after age 15.
Diabetes:
Diabetes may to undetected for many years. Men with diabetes usually suffered from heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and vision problems.
Skin Cancer:
Those who spend time in the sun are at risk for skin cancer. Other factors may include having a family history of skin cancer, repeated x-ray exposure and exposure to some chemical combines for example arsenic and coal.
Low Testosterone:
Men testosterone decreases as they age that can cause Andropause, a condition like menopause in women. This condition may lead to erectile dysfunction, fragile bones, depression, fatigue and other problems.
Colorectal Cancer:
If caught early cancel of the colon and rectum can be treated. These cancers are usually caused by diets high in fats and low in fiber.
Depression:
Men and women may suffer from depressed; however, men are more than likely to commit suicide. If you feel hopeless, sad, or down and out for a period of time, you may be suffering from depression. You may want to consult professional counseling, some form of medication and/or a combination from your medical doctor.
Lung Cancer:
The number one killer in men today is lung cancer; however, this can be prevented with lifestyle changes and by taking certain precautions such smoking, exposure to asbestos and radon.
Other Diseases and Conditions:
Osteoporosis, breast cancer, STDs, and Facial Hair are also other diseases and conditions that can be recognized as a man’s problem. To live longer and healthier, please contact Men’s Health Network, P.O. Box 75972, Washington, DC 20013; Office: (202) 534-MHN-1 and the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers nationwide for support and medical assistance, visit www.va.gov.