In Latvia, the life expectancy of men is significantly shorter than that of women – last year, the average age of death for men was 69.9 years, while for women it was 80.4 years. One of the reasons is the late seeking of medical help, which means that diseases are diagnosed at a late stage. This is confirmed by data showing that 10.4% of men admitted they had not undergone necessary medical checks or treatment, even though it was needed.
Men's Health Month, November, is the perfect time to remember that the body also needs regular "technical inspections," as noted by clinical pharmacist Ksenia Lukyanova.
Men's Health Inspection: What to Pay Attention To
Men are considered the physically stronger sex, as they are generally larger and more muscular, thanks to testosterone. However, in terms of health, men are biologically more vulnerable – they tend to develop chronic health problems more frequently and at an earlier age. The clinical pharmacist points out that men face a number of significant health risks that require special attention:
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Cardiovascular diseases: these are the leading cause of death among men, and their development is influenced by various lifestyle factors. Men typically develop cardiovascular diseases earlier than women. One of the main risk factors is elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol or LDL, which contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. LDL is called "bad" because it carries cholesterol to the walls of blood vessels, while "good" cholesterol or HDL helps transport it back to the liver, thus protecting blood vessels. Men also tend to accumulate fat in the abdominal area, which is associated with metabolic disorders, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
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Gout and kidney stones: gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis caused by excessive accumulation of uric acid in the body. This metabolic disorder most commonly affects men aged 30 to 50. When uric acid levels become too high, urate crystals form and deposit in the joints, causing sudden and painful inflammation. The most characteristic symptoms include pain, swelling, and redness, especially in the joint of the big toe. People with gout are also at increased risk of developing kidney stones. Contributing factors include an unbalanced diet, excessive consumption of beer and sugary drinks, as well as obesity and dehydration.
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Prostate diseases: one of the most common urological diseases in men is prostate cancer. It is unique to men – a walnut-sized gland located near the rectum under the bladder. As men age, the prostate can enlarge, causing benign prostatic hyperplasia, which leads to frequent and difficult urination, especially at night. In the early stages, prostate cancer is asymptomatic, making regular preventive examinations by a urologist especially important. It is essential to see a doctor if there is blood in the urine, painful or frequent urination, a weak urine stream, erectile dysfunction, or if lumps are found in the testicles.
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Mental health: men's mental health issues often receive too little attention. Depression, anxiety, chronic stress, and burnout occur more frequently than one might think, yet many men are reluctant to talk about their feelings or seek help, believing they "should handle it themselves." This attitude can lead to prolonged emotional and physical exhaustion, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, or addictions. If you feel tired, irritable, lose interest, or experience anxiety on a daily basis, it is important to consult a family doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Top Tests Without Which Health Check-Ups Will Not Be Complete
For men over 35, regular medical check-ups are especially important, even in the absence of complaints. Ksenia Lukyanova emphasizes that a family doctor should be visited at least once a year. Considering the diseases that are more common in men, special attention should be paid to the following examinations:
• Blood pressure – it is recommended to monitor it at least once a year, and if blood pressure is elevated or risk factors exist, measurements should be repeated more frequently. This can be done both at the family doctor’s office and at home using a portable blood pressure monitor.
• Cholesterol level – this test is covered by the state once a year. Annual checks help to identify risks of cardiovascular diseases in a timely manner.
• Prostate cancer screening – state-funded examinations are available for men aged 50 to 75, but it is recommended to start at age 45, especially if there is a family history of prostate cancer. Regular examinations every two years help to notice potential changes early and begin treatment at an early stage.
• Lipid profile and blood uric acid level – these should be determined at least once a year starting from age 30 to timely identify metabolic disorders and gout.
• Moles – a dermatological examination is recommended at least once a year, especially if you have many moles.
Without Fuel, the Engine of Well-Being Will Not Run
In spring, one of the pharmacies in Latvia conducted a survey called "Barometer of Well-Being," which shed light on society's habits regarding self-care. The survey results show significant differences between genders in the consumption of dietary supplements – women take them more often (36%) than men (20%), and 25% of surveyed men admitted they do not take them at all. Men's nutritional needs differ from women's – particularly in terms of energy levels, maintaining muscle mass, and heart health. For optimal body function, in addition to a balanced diet, the following dietary supplements can be taken after consulting with a doctor or pharmacist:
• Vitamin D – important for bones, muscles, and the immune system.
• Magnesium – helps restore the nervous system, relax muscles, and reduce stress.
• B vitamins – provide energy, support the nervous system, help the body cope with stress, and positively complement the action of magnesium.
• Zinc – important for men's reproductive health, prostate function, and testosterone synthesis.
The engine of well-being requires a particularly healthy lifestyle – at least 8 hours of quality sleep, regular physical activity that promotes endorphin production and maintains muscle tone, as well as regular and balanced nutrition. Clinical pharmacist Ksenia Lukyanova reminds us that combined with regular health monitoring, this will ensure optimal functioning of the body and mind, allowing for a full, energetic, and healthy life.
