Women live longer than males all around the world, however, the disparity varies greatly in less developed countries. In 2020, the age average of women was 82.5 years while males aged an average of 79.8 years in Qatar[
1]. Several young or old men aren't aware of what they may do to improve their health and live longer lives. In Qatar, the male mortality rate was 41.49 per 1000 male adults in 2018, while the female mortality rate was 31.87 per 1000 female adults[
2,
3].
The Qatar government establishes one of the seven goals of the National Health Strategy in Qatar as preventive healthcare to increase the awareness of the population and regular screening for both genders, which leads to improving the health of Qatar's population, Qatar aspires to develop an integrated system for health care, managed according to world-class standards as mentioned in Qatar National Vision 2030[
4].
Globally, men's health month is observed in June and November. In June, the goal is to raise awareness of the improvement of early diagnosis and treatment of disease among men and to prevent men's health problems[
5].
There are many charity institutions playing to enhance and improve men's health awareness, for example, Movember is one of the non-profit organizations dedicated to preventing testicular cancer, prostate cancer, mental illness, and suicide[
6].
We present several recommendations for improving men's health backed by evidence from scientific journals, professional organizations, and groups.
1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL MEN AGE
1. Men often have a harder time coping with stress than women because women tend to have more relatives, friends, and social networks with whom they can confide. As a result, men should seek out more social connections.
2. Laughter increases endorphins, which help you live longer. Develop a sense of humor and surround yourself with people who make you laugh.
3. Avoid tobacco and nonprescription drugs. Alcohol abuse should also be avoided.
4. Avoid excessive sun exposure.
5. Before taking any new vitamin or herbal supplement, research its effectiveness and make sure it's endorsed by reputable health organizations, not just the manufacturer.
6. Avoid becoming a workaholic; chronic stress can lead to health problems such as weight gain and high blood pressure. Take time to relax, exercise regularly, and seek nutritional advice.
7. Men, especially young men, are often prone to risky behaviors. Wear seatbelts and helmets when riding bicycles or motorcycles, don't text or talk on the phone while driving, and avoid peers who encourage illegal drug use or excessive drinking.
8. If you're sexually active, get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Even if you have only one partner, that person may have other partners—a pattern known as serial monogamy.
9. According to the Guttmacher Institute (2018), some boys begin sexual activity as early as age 10, and the rate increases each year, with about 75% of men engaging in sexual activity by age 20. Therefore, sexual education and safety should start both at home and in school.
10. Protect your prostate when riding a bicycle or motorcycle by using a prostate-friendly seat to help prevent prostatitis.
2 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEN OVER THE AGE OF 20
1. Men should have an annual physical exam, including height and weight measurements and blood pressure.
2. Screen for testicular cancer once a year, and perform monthly self-exams.
3. Have your cholesterol checked every 5 years.
4. Screen for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems, and anemia.
5. Screen for STIs (including HIV), skin cancer, and substance or alcohol abuse, depending on your risk factors.
6. Men with a strong family history and/or risk factors should be screened for coronary heart disease starting at age 30.
7. At age 40, screen for thyroid disorders, liver problems, anemia, and prostate cancer.
8. At age 50, have your cholesterol checked every 5 years, screen for colon, lung, and skin cancers once a year, and get the shingles vaccine.
9. At age 60, screen for depression, dementia, abdominal aortic aneurysm, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis. Carotid artery ultrasonography is also recommended.
10. At age 70, some screenings may be done every 6 months, depending on previous findings.
2025 The Author(s). UroPrecision published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Higher Education Press.
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