June is Men's Health Month and the week leading up to Fathers' Day, June 15-21, is Men's Health Week. These events are intended to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and to encourage screening, early detection and early treatment of disease among men and boys. The life expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, but men still live shorter lives than women on average. Many factors contribute to shorter lifespan for men. Men tend to smoke and drink more than women. Men often define themselves by their work, increasing their stress. This month is dedicated to raising health awareness in men.

The biggest threats to men's health are mostly preventable. Here are the top 10 threats to men's health compiled from statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Heart disease is the number 1 health threat to men. To reduce your risk, don't smoke or use tobacco products and avoid secondhand smoke. Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fiber and fish. Reduce saturated fats and salt. Exercise daily. Maintain a healthy weight. Relax daily to manage stress. Drink alcohol in moderation, no more than 2 drinks per day. Know your cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels and blood pressure.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in men followed by prostate cancer and colorectal cancer. To prevent cancer, don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Follow all of the above healthy lifestyle measures. Get screened for cancer regularly.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accident-related death for men, followed by falls and poisonings. To prevent injury from car accidents wear your seat belt, follow the speed limit, don't drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances, and don't drive while sleepy. To prevent falls and poisoning, use common-sense precautions such as non-slip mats and grab bars in the tub, use chemicals only in well-ventilated areas and install carbon monoxide detectors in the home.

Stroke risk can be reduced by following heart-healthy recommendations.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes bronchitis and emphysema. Do not smoke and avoid exposure to harmful chemicals to reduce your risk.

Avoid type 2 diabetes by following a healthy lifestyle.

Get an annual flu vaccine.

Suicide is a leading health risk for men. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. Seek medical help if you think you have signs of depression.

Kidney failure often accompanies diabetes or high blood pressure. Follow a healthy lifestyle if you are diagnosed with either.

While Alzheimer's disease cannot be prevented, it often accompanies heart disease and diabetes. Take care of your heart and avoid diabetes. Stay socially active and practice mental fitness by challenging yourself to learn new things.

These are the top 10 health risks for men. They are largely preventable or can be reduced by following a healthy lifestyle and by using common-sense precautions. Take time this month to review your health. The Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos can help with cholesterol, diabetes, and blood pressure screening. We offer vaccinations. We provide lifestyle consultations to help you maintain. Your health affects the lives of your family and others; live healthy, stay healthy.

References: http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/mens-health/MC00013/, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menshealth.html.

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