Men's health

You may have learned by now that men and women are different. But you may not have ever considered just how much men differ in areas beyond reproduction. You may be made of snakes and snails and puppy-dog's tails, but you still have a wide range of health concerns, such as being at higher risk of stroke and heart disease.

Florida Hospital Altamonte offers information on healthcare issues from a man's point of view.

Sadly, the biggest threats to men's health are in large part preventable. What diseases occur most often, and are most dangerous for men? What actions can you take today to stay healthy? The more men learn, the more they can take control of their lives and live a longer, healthier life.

Take a look at the top threats to men's health, according to statistics from the CDC.

Below you'll find information on some of the CDC's top ten killers. What you'll take away from this list: prevention pays off! Reduce those risks within your control by seeing your doctor regularly, and adopting healthier habits. And remember that Florida Hospital Altamonte provides a full range of healthcare services especially for men, from prostate health to cardiac and stroke services.

Still number one: heart disease

Heart disease continues to be the number one health threat for men. In 2006, 315,706 men died from heart disease-that's 26 percent of all men who died in 2006, or more than one in every four. And heart disease does not discriminate: it is the leading cause of death for men of most racial or ethnic groups in the U.S., including African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Hispanics, and whites.

For men, cancer ranks the second largest killer.

Leading in cancer deaths among men is lung cancer. Sadly, according to the American Cancer Society, most are due to cigarette smoking. Prostate cancer and colorectal cancer rank second and third. To help decrease your risk of cancer, please:

• Don't smoke or use other tobacco products, and avoid exposure to dangerous secondhand smoke.
• Include physical activity in your daily routine.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat foods.
• Limit your sun exposure, and when outside use sunscreen.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
• Consult your doctor for regular cancer screenings.
• Reduce exposure to potential cancer-causing substances (carcinogens), such as radon, asbestos, radiation and air pollution.

Prostate cancer is called a urologic cancer.

It's part of a group that also includes cancers of the kidney, ureters, bladder and penis. Prostate cancer is the most common urologic cancer, and the most common cancer found in men. Early screening increases survival rates! Contact your doctor or Florida Hospital Altamonte about a screening today.

Advances in treatment include new surgical, radiotherapy and chemotherapy approaches

Florida Hospital Cancer Institute's multidisciplinary team collaborates to create customized treatment plans for each individual patient, and provides urologic cancer patients with more comprehensive services, state-of-the-art technology and leading research than any other program in the area. This includes the daVinci® Prostatectomy, a less-invasive, robotic-assisted surgery that increases the level of surgical precision and improves the recovery process for our patients. 

The fourth largest killer: stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off. The brain cells, deprived of the oxygen and glucose needed to survive, die. If not caught early, permanent brain damage can result.  You may be at greater risk of stroke if you are a man who:

• Is over age 65
• Is African-American
• Has a family history of stroke

Sadly, like many of the top health threats for men, up to 50 percent of all strokes are preventable by controlling risk factors before they cause problems. 

Among the top five: COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the name given to a group of chronic lung conditions, including bronchitis and emphysema. To prevent COPD:

• Don't smoke cigarettes, and avoid exposure to dangerous secondhand smoke.
• Minimize exposure to chemicals and air pollution.

For more information on Florida Altamonte's healthcare services for men, call us at 407-303-2200.