What You Need to Know About Men's Health

Yes, A Cute Angle is a women's lifestyle blog, but most women have a special man in her life whether it's a partner, father, son, brother, or best friend. And most of the men in our lives underutilized health care. So, here's what you need to know to keep your favorite guy healthy.

Testosterone can actually weaken a man's immune system, and studies have shown that once men get sick it takes them longer to get over it than women. Encourage him to wash his hands (as men are less likely than women to do so) to stop the spread of disease.

Men who have traditional beliefs about masculinity (the ones who feel they have to be tough, brave, self-reliant and never show emotion) are more likely to ignore their symptoms. Try having him see a female practitioner. Studies have shown the are more likely to be honest with a woman.

Sitting with their legs spread apart is actually really good for orthopedic health. Not crossing the legs helps with preventing hip and knee pain, and can prevent to body from coming out of alignment. Don't forget that men can develop osteoporosis too! Encourage the men in your life over the age of 60 to have a bone density test.

Neither of you can afford to be be passive about his heart health. Heart disease is the number one killer of men, being the culprit in one in four deaths. Get moving, eat natural, and break unhealthy habits such a eating junk food and living a sedentary lifestyle now!

Know the ages for important preventative tests. A man at average-risk for colon cancer (meaning there is not family history) should have his first colonoscopy at age 50. If your man has a first degree relative who had colon cancer at age 60 or younger, he should start his screenings at 40, or 10 years before the age that their family member was diagnosed. With prostate cancer the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the US, the American Cancer Society now recommends prostate exams start at age 40 rather then 50. This can be done in his doctor's office with a digital rectal exam (ask me about this later) and a PSA blood test. PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, a protein that goes up if prostate cancer is present.

Read more about male specific health concerns such as testicular injuries, male menopause, and prostatitis.