Did you know that according to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average life expectancy for men in the US is almost 5 years less than women?
The reason for the poor state of men’s health are numerous and include:
- Lack of awareness and understanding of the health issues men face
- Men not openly discussing their health and how they’re feeling
- Reluctance to take action when men don’t feel physically or mentally well
- Men engaging in risky activities that threaten their health
- Stigmas surrounding mental health or other medical issues
- Men are 24 percent less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year
How many of you men avoid going to the doctor? How many of you ignore symptoms and say, “Oh, it’s nothing, I’ll be fine”. November is a time for men to think about their health, don’t be embarrassed to talk about your bodies and anything that ails you. Self-education and body awareness are key to early detection and early detection is key to having a proper diagnosis positive outcome.
At South Florida Vascular Associates, it is our goal to increase your understanding of some of the vascular disease health risks that men face; encourage you to take action to remain healthy, and help to ensure that you take proper medical action if or when you do become sick.
Below are some vascular conditions that are prevalent in men that you should be educated about. These conditions are successfully treated, especially when diagnosed in the early stages.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)- Peripheral artery disease is a common disorder that mostly affects men over age 50, but women can have it as well. PAD is caused by arteriosclerosis and occurs when fatty material (plaque) builds up on the walls of your arteries and makes them narrower. As a result, the muscles of your legs cannot get enough blood and oxygen when they are working harder (such as during exercise or walking). If PAD becomes severe, there may not be enough blood and oxygen, even when the muscles are resting. The main symptoms of PAD are pain, achiness, fatigue, burning, or discomfort in the muscles of your feet, calves, or thighs. These symptoms usually appear during walking or exercise, and go away after several minutes of rest.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) -Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulging of the main artery that leads from the heart to the rest of his body. Without repair, the aorta can leak or rupture, potentially causing sudden death. AAA tends to occur in white males over the age of 60. In the United States, these aneurysms occur in up to 3.0% of the population. Aneurysms start to form at about age 50 and peak at age 80. Usually, aortic aneurysms are found in older people and are associated with hypertension or high blood pressure. AAA often does not cause any symptoms, however If they do, they may cause deep dull pain in the lower back or flank. Prominent abdominal pulsations may be also present.
Varicoceles- Varicoceles are a tangled network of blood vessels or swelling of the veins on the testicles similar to varicose veins in the legs but in this condition a vein called the gonadal vein. It has weak defective valves resulting in the blood pooling in varicose veins in the scrotum. It is a relatively common condition (affecting approximately 10 percent of men) that tends to occur in young men, usually in their 20’s or 30’s. Sometimes, varicoceles cause no symptoms and are harmless. But sometimes a varicocele causes pain, testicular atrophy (shrinkage), or fertility problems.
Venus Insufficiency- Venous insufficiency is a common cause of leg pain and swelling, and is commonly associated with varicose veins. It occurs when the valves of the veins do not function properly, and the circulation of blood in the leg veins is impaired. It may affect up to 20 percent of adults. By the age of 50, nearly 40 percent of women and 20 percent of men have significant leg vein problems. Symptoms include aching leg pain, leg fatigue and leg heaviness.
As part of Men’s Health Awareness Month we urge you to be proactive with your health and to encourage other men to do the same. To help increase men’s health awareness, during the month of November many men are growing moustaches or beards to help support the cause, promote awareness of the health issues men may face and to empower men to be more proactive about their medical choices. If you suffer from any of the vascular conditions listed above call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified physicians. We are here to help you and make sure that you stay healthy.
Start growing your moustache today and send us a picture for our Facebook page to info@southfloridavascular.com
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