When discussing family health, the mother and children most often come to mind, but a huge determining factor in the health of a family unit is often ignored. Men’s health is seldom discussed, perhaps due to the stigma many men have about receiving regular care. Such avoidance of healthcare could be part of the reason why, on average, men have lower life expectancies than women, but biology and ethnicity may also be a factor.

Doctors and scientists have not yet figured out the cause of lifespan differences between men and women, but they do have a few suggestions on how men can improve their health and increase their chance at a long and fulfilling life.

Research Family Medical History

Many health concerns and conditions affect both genders, yet men should know of a few that are more predominant in their gender, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, colon cancer, and skin cancer. By discussing health history with family members, men can figure out certain health conditions or diseases they predisposed to. This information can then serves as a guideline to certain lifestyle changes, treatments, or tests and screenings men may need to take and receive.

Make Healthy Choices

Men are more likely participate in unhealthy and risky behaviors than women, such as smoking drinking, and avoiding medical care. If a man already knows what conditions he may be likely to inherit, changing their lifestyle can often impact their likelihood of being affected by it. However, all men should avoid smoking, limit their alcohol, eat a balanced diet of nutrient-rich foods, and exercise regularly to achieve optimal health.

Prioritize Mental Health

Men are more likely to face stigmas surrounding mental health than women are due to societal expectations and stereotypes. Since emotional vulnerability has often been seen as “unmanly,” too many men avoid treatment for mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. According to a 2017 report by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, men commit suicide 3.54 times more often than women.

Due to the opposing nature of mental health disorder symptoms and masculinity, men are more reluctant to seek help. Men are also less likely to be diagnosed with depression since the way they describe how they feel (i.e. fatigue, irritability, and a lack of interest in once favorite or enjoyed activities) are different than the usual symptoms of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. The only way to improve men’s likelihood to receive proper mental health treatment is to de-stigmatize the topic and make it a national conversation.

Men’s health is often overlooked and under-discussed. The conversation surrounding men and their health is vital to increasing life expectancies, treating mental health disorders, and ensuring a happy and healthy family unit. Many communities offer Men’s Health fairs, info sessions, and literature that seeks to educate men on why taking control of their health is important. Urge a man in your life to make more regular trips to a doctor or become more familiar with the conditions and symptoms to look out for.