++
Being male has been described as a health hazard. Men have a significantly greater incidence of medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, accidental death, suicide, obesity, alcoholism, HIV and hypertension. National male health policy programs focus on male mental health, work safety, male health in particular risk groups and prevention of chronic disease and injury.
++
Key facts and checkpoints
++
The average life expectancy is 5 yrs less than females
Up to 14 yrs, males are twice as likely to die from accidents
Between 15–24 yrs, males are 3 times more likely to die from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) and 4 times from suicide
Between 25–65 yrs: 4 times more likely to die from coronary artery disease; 3 times from MVAs; 4 times from suicide; 4 times from other accidents and twice as likely from cancer
At least 4 out of 5 heroin overdoses occur in males
90% of those convicted for acts of violence are males; 80% of victims are males