By Oriol Bolaño
Much is said about the issue of masculinity as a differential factor in terms of health between men and women. What «it means to be a man» has contributed to the fact that in almost all countries of the world, men are more likely than women to die before reaching the age of 70.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that around 52% of deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide occur in men. In Mexico, for example, the life expectancy of men is about five years less than that of women, according to INEGI data. In our country, more men are born and die than women, with differences from the first years of life. In 2016 there were three deaths in men between the ages of 20 and 34 for each death of a woman in the same age range. These differences are added to others which have to do with attitudes and lifestyles. One to highlight: men go to medical consultations and check-ups much less frequently in addition to their notorious propensity to smoke and drink alcohol.
It is well known that an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol are the main risk factors for NCDs. Underutilization of primary health care services by men is a problem in many countries. The reasons why these risk factors disproportionately affect men are often related to the ways in which society educates us. We must understand our identity and our roles as men and women in relation to family responsibilities. These include work-life, recreational activities, and the need to get regular checkups.
These gender norms vary by social and cultural context but are often similar across countries in terms of behavioral health. Socioeconomic inequities also influence how these norms affect health. Beliefs and expectations about men’s behavior—for example, that men should be the sole breadwinner in the family—can become risk factors when exacerbated by a lack of economic opportunity and social marginalization, and thus can contribute to unhealthy behavior among men and high rates of morbidity from preventable diseases.
The timely detection of diseases specific to men—such as prostate and testicular cancer— as well as other chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes have been prevention objectives among health institutions. As a prevention, the lipid profile is important. It should be taken every three years starting at age 30. Blood glucose should be measured every three years starting at age 45 (or 20 if one is overweight, obese, or a has a direct relative with diabetes). Blood pressure should be measured every year from the age of 30 (or 20 if one is diabetic, overweight or obese). And cholesterol should be checked every three years from the age of 45 (or 20 if one is obese or has a family member with ischemic heart disease).
Knowing how to take care of ourselves is of the utmost importance!
