June is Men’s Health Month, and people around the globe are working to raise awareness of preventable and treatable health problems and diseases in men. So, in the spirit of the month, here are three of the most common threats to men’s health and how to help prevent them. 

1. Cardiovascular Disease

“Cardiovascular” refers to the heart and blood vessels, and there are a variety of cardiovascular diseases that pose a high risk to men. In fact, according to the American Heart Association, more than one in three adult men have some form of cardiovascular disease, making it the leading threat to men’s health. The most common problem that this type of disease causes is the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. This process eventually blocks arteries and can cause a heart attack or stroke. So how can you help prevent cardiovascular disease?

The most effective way to avoid heart disease is to control your cholesterol levels. 

• Avoid trans fats, found in fried food, baked goods and margarine, and eat foods that are high in fiber and omega-3 fats. 
• Exercise around 30 minutes every day.
• Take time to relax, as stress can raise cholesterol.
• Avoid smoking.

2. Lung Cancer

According to the American Lung Association, lung cancer causes more male deaths than any other kind of cancer, and men are more likely to get this disease than women. Lung cancer is generally an aggressive disease, with survival rates that aren’t very high. So, what is the best way to avoid this disease?

The most effective way to avoid lung cancer is to avoid smoking or using other tobacco products.

• Smoking causes 90% of lung cancer deaths in men.
• Men who smoke are 23 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men who don’t.
• Nonsmokers who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke have a significantly greater chance of developing lung cancer than other nonsmokers.

3. Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that at least 6 million men suffer from some form of depression annually. Depression deals with chemicals and hormones in the brain that are out of balance, causing problems with appetite, energy level, mood and sleep. Depression can be a purely physical problem, but it can also be fueled by events and problems in one’s life. So what is the most effective way to fight depression?

There are a variety of ways you can seek help with your depression.

• Medication can work well to treat depression, but may come with some side effects, so communicating openly with your doctor is important in this process.
• Counseling and different kinds of therapy can help you understand and cope with difficult situations in life, thus reducing depression.
• Staying physically active and spending time with close friends and family can also help reduce depression.

Men, this month is a great time to start making health-conscious decisions! 

Exercise and watch your diet to help avoid heart disease, stop smoking to help avoid lung cancer and be aware of the possibility of depression and the options that exist to help you treat it. 

These health issues may seem frightening, but you can take action to highly reduce your risk and stay healthy!