Some sobering statistics about men’s health need to be dealt with:

• Men who are clinically depressed are three times more likely to have coronary artery disease (CAD);

• For every age group, suicide numbers for males are higher than females;

• Between the ages of 15 and 34, among the three top causes for deaths among these makes are homicide and suicide; and

• The ratio of women to men living, by age 85, is 2.2 to 1 and that rises to 3 to 1 by age 90.

There are biological, cultural and personal reasons why the life span of men is an average of six years less than women’s in the U.S. The realities are being examined in books written about their research in these areas.

There is an overriding concern that men are inherently more fragile and vulnerable than females from their birth, causing male mortality to be shorter. There seems to be a discrepancy in how men’s & women’s health issues have been addressed, as women tend to have their specific needs validated and addressed while men don’t demand an equal level of treatment.

Because men since birth are expected to handle whatever pain there might be, not be a wimp, and not show weaknesses, the cultural aspects are pre-determined it seems. Medical help for men seems to only happen under duress from a spouse or loved one or if the condition has elevated to a severe, almost crisis level.

Some specific things men can do to prolong their own lives will be presented here for consideration by men.

Speaking frankly with your doctor will help tremendously – embarrassment shouldn’t be taken into the examine room or doctors office. Some symptoms might be uncomfortable to talk about, like erectile dysfunction, but might be an indicator of other issues like diabetes or heart disease.

Other areas that men shouldn’t be paranoid about are doing self-exams on testicles as that can be a common form of cancer in men. Just as women do regular (monthly) self-exams of their breasts men should likewise. Considering the pain of prostrate cancer treatments, men should also have a prostrate exam after 50.

Testosterone levels in men should be checked starting at age 30 as they begin declining by 1% per year thereafter. Low testosterone levels can cause a variety of issues including: a decrease in vitality, muscle mass, ability to perform prolonged exercise, memory, concentration, and libido. Depression can also be indicated.

Other areas to check up on & be concerned with are your immune system, be aware of depression symptoms, and assess your risk of coronary disease.