Hapi Life
Looking after men's health
Last week was Men’s Health Awareness week – so we’re highlighting resources to help men manage their health.
What are the health risks for men?
Stroke and heart disease are leading causes of death for both men and women. However, males generally have higher death rates for these conditions.
Both conditions are caused by a range of genetic factors - like age, family history, and ethnicity – and lifestyle elements such as overweight and obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, unhealthy diet, and not getting enough physical activity.
Most importantly, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke because it damages the lining of the arteries, making them more susceptible to the build-up of plaque, which narrows the arteries leading to the heart and brain.
The positive news is that you can reduce the risk by making some healthy lifestyle choices. Whether it’s your diet, activity levels, smoking or drinking, it’s never too late to make a change.
Check out our Hapi-life articles for more information:
Mental health
Mental health is also a huge concern. Tragically, men are three times more likely than women to take their own lives.
It’s too simplistic to say women are willing to share their problems and men tend to bottle them up. But it is true that, for generations, many societies have encouraged men to be “strong” and not admit they’re struggling. Men may be less likely to admit when they feel vulnerable, whether to themselves, friends, or a GP.
Mental health charity Mind suggests that you might want to seek help if you're:
- worrying more than usual
- finding it hard to enjoy your life
- having thoughts and feelings that are difficult to cope with, which have an impact on your day-to-day life
- interested to find more support or treatment.
If you’d like practical advice on managing your mental health, remember you have access to our dedicated wellbeing channel, Hapi-life, with new articles added every Friday.
Useful starting points:
