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The phrase men's health typically brings to mind conditions that only affect men; such as prostate cancer. However, there are many health problems that can occur in both men and women, but are more likely to occur in men. Conditions such as heart disease and sleep apnea are two which have gained more attention in recent times.…
Prostate cancer is cancer (abnormal cell growth) that occurs in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include pain, trouble urinating, and erectile dysfunction. These can also be symptoms of other men's health problems. A diagnosis can only be made after a biopsy of the prostate is analyzed in a medical laboratory. Prostate cancer occurs most frequently in men over the age of 50. It is the most common form of cancer affecting men's health and the second most deadly. No cause has yet been found, but diet and genetics are both though by researchers to play a role in the development of the disease.
Heart disease is a major threat to men's health and is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. The term heart disease encompasses a range of diseases including rheumatic fever, pulmonary heart disease, and congestive heart failure. Around 75% of cardiac events, such as heart attacks, occur in men. Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition. Medication and changes in diet and exercise are often recommended for people who are at risk for heart disease or have suffered from heart problems.
Sleep apnea occurs when short interruptions of breathing occur during sleep. Close to 18 million Americans suffer from this condition. Sleep apnea is most common in people who are overweight, have high blood pressure, snore loudly, or have a physical deformity in their airway.
Treatment for sleep apnea usually involves lifestyle changes such as losing weight, cutting back on alcohol, changing sleep position, and using devices such as special pillows or a cpap machine. In cases where a physical deformity is causing sleep apnea, surgery may be required to fix the problem.