Consider these statistics: coronary artery disease is three times higher in men who are clinically depressed, male suicides out number female suicides in every age group, homicide and suicide are among the top three causes for death among males between the ages of 15 and 34, and by the age of 85, women outnumber men in the U.S. 2.2 to 1; 3 to 1 if they reach their 90s. These are just a few realities examined in Why Men Die First: How to Lengthen Your Lifespan, a new book by Marianne J. Legato, MD. It focuses on the biological, cultural and personal reasons why men's life spans last an average of six years less than women's.
One reason is that men don't demand the same treatment as women. From birth, men are taught to suck up the pain and to not be a wimp. Many men only seek medical attention unless their spouse tells them to or they are in serious condition. The cultural reasons for not going to the doctor are killing men.
Here are the six steps to live longer:
1.Speak frankly with the doctor: Leave embarrassment in the waiting room. Some symptoms can be uncomfortable to talk about, like erectile dysfunction for example, but can be tied to more serious ailments like diabetes and heart disease. If you think you might have a problem, talk to your doctor. It may be more than you expect.
2.Check testosterone levels: Beginning at age 30, testosterone begins to decrease by 1% each year. It can lead to decrease in vitality, muscle mass, ability to perform prolonged exercise, memory, concentration, and libido. It can also contribute to depression, which can have significant effects on male health. There are treatments available like gels, patches, and injections to help increase this vital hormone.
3.Immune systems: The male immune system is not as strong as females, and men die from seven of the ten most common infections at a higher rate. Men should practice sanitary sexual practices and keep updated on vaccinations. For example, a tetanus shot should be...