Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is unique about men’s health issues?

Answer: Men are uniquely qualified to have prostate cancer; likewise testicular cancer. Beyond that, men generally are less careful about lifestyle issues (such as smoking, weight gain, and wearing a seat belt). Men are less likely to visit a health care provider for a routine checkup/screening or in response to specific symptoms. Furthermore, men die at a higher rate than women for every disease category except breast cancer.

Question: If men have trouble with getting to a health care provider, what can we do to get them there?

Answer: Often women in their lives push them to do the best thing for their health. So, ladies, if he won’t go, nag him or threaten consequences if he doesn’t take better care of himself.

Question: What lifestyle changes are most important for men’s quality of life and survival?

Answer: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is first on the list. This includes NOT smoking, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. The healthy diet that seems best is the Mediterranean diet, which seems better for the prevention of, or management of, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and many cancers (including prostate cancer). And, of course, regular checkups, including important screening for these and other diseases.

Question: How is the Stampede race going to matter to my life?

Answer: The Stampede represents exercise, of course, but the effect of the event will hopefully motivate men to be more proactive about their health long after the race. Also, there will be free medical screening available and plenty information about maintaining better health.

Question: What are the common serious diseases facing men?

Answer:
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the #1 killer. The best preventive measures (and management after heart attacks) are through exercise, diet, and regular checkups (for blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.).
For further information, visit:
American Heart Association

Cancer
There are a very large number of cancers affecting men. Lung cancer is the top killer and is generally prevented by not smoking. Quitting tobacco now increases your odds of avoiding lung cancer and several other types of cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common and, if aggressive, can usually be successfully treated and controlled.
For information on these and other cancers, visit:
American Cancer Society
Utah Cancer Action Network (known as UCAN)
Cancer-Wellness House

Diabetes
Diabetes involves difficulty in the regulation of blood sugar and is best prevented or managed through exercise and diet. If diabetes goes unregulated, the effects on health can be drastic. Regular checkups are important.
For further information:
American Diabetes Association

Stroke
Stroke is considered to be a “brain attack” analogous to “heart attack” and is best prevented through the same measures as for heart disease.
For further information, visit:
The National Stroke Association