Men's Health

Compared to women, men are more likely to:

use tobacco and drink alcohol
make unhealthy or risky decisions (Watch me juggle these chain saws.)
delay regular checkups and medical care (I feel fine, I'll call next week.)

This week's My Medlineplus newsletter is dedicated men's health and well-being. Learn more about you can take charge of your health.

Cancer Prevention & Screening

Testicular cancer mainly affects young men between the ages of 20 and 39. It is also more common in men who have:

had abnormal testicle development
had an undescended testicle
a family history of the cancer

Symptoms include pain, swelling, or lumps in your testicles or groin area. Get to know what’s normal for your testicles. Check regularly and see a doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

Prostate cancer is common among older men and is rare in men younger than 40. Risk factors for developing prostate cancer include:

being over 65 years of age
family history
being African-American

Talk with your doctor about your risk for prostate cancer, the pros and cons of the screening tests, and whether you should get them.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure usually has no warning signs, yet it can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attack or stroke. Have your blood pressure checked by your health care provider. The good news is that you can help prevent high blood pressure by having a healthy lifestyle:

eat a healthy diet
exercise
maintain a healthy weight
limit alcohol
do not smoke
manage stress

Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

Mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and act as you cope with life. It also helps determine how you handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Here are some things you can do to improve your mental health:

eat a healthy diet
be physically active
get enough sleep
meditate
get professional help if you need it

If you need help, or know someone who does, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). They provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.