June is National Men’s Health Month, and as Father’s Day quickly approaches Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network encourages men and their loved ones to discuss the importance of leading healthy lifestyles and seeking timely medical advice to avoid serious health complications.

The lack of early detection of certain diseases can have major consequences that lead to organ failure and the need for transplants. The most prevalent health threats that Hispanic men face are diabetes, liver disease, hypertension and obesity. Type 2 diabetes, often referred to as the “silent killer,” displays no visual symptoms at the onset, but complications include loss of eyesight, stroke and kidney failure. Liver disease, which can be genetic or caused by factors such as obesity, can gradually or in some rare cases rapidly damage the liver beyond repair. Heart disease, when left untreated, can produce blood clots and lead to a heart attack or stroke and sometimes death. Latino males have a disproportionately higher risk of suffering from these medical conditions than males in the general population due in part to unhealthy lifestyle choices.

Currently, more than 3,000 men are on the Illinois transplant waiting list. More than 2,500 of them are waiting for kidney transplants, 250 need liver transplants and 150 need heart transplants. In celebration of National Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, Gift of Hope reminds Hispanic families that illness prevention and early detection of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, heart and liver disease are key to living a long and healthy life with loved ones, and encourages Hispanic men to make health and regular doctor visits a priority.