When it’s come to health both men and women stand equally. Our human body is designed in such a way that its resistance power diminishes as we age. The ageing process starts post 40 but due to a prolonged illness men’s health might deteriorate at a very early stage. To live long and remain healthy, adult males need to pay close attention to specific men’s health issues. That’s why with the help of this article we will be telling you some of the health risks of men so that you can enjoy good health by taking appropriate steps to prevent those.
A regular medical checkup and some lifestyle changes can make your health conditions better as you have been always expecting. However, there are many factors contributing to a decline in men’s health, which include lack of awareness, inadequate health education, unhealthy work habits, and personal lifestyle, as well as a tendency to not seek any kind of help.
Factors Causing Men’s Health Risk
There are certain factors which are purely responsible for deteriorating men’s health. During the 20s and 30s, when men are in their physical prime, they mature and begin to stop engaging in risky behaviours. Still, men are more likely than women to abuse alcohol, smoke and die accidental deaths.
However, during their 40s and 50s, men’s bodies produce testosterone at declining rates. They begin to lose muscle mass and become more prone to weight gain. Their risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes increases. On average, men develop heart disease about 10 years earlier than women, and 1 in 4 male deaths is caused by heart disease.
Men’s bodies never completely stop producing testosterone, but testosterone production may decrease with age. It has been observed that when men reach their 60s and 70s, they may begin to experience hair loss and enlarging prostates. In older age, men often become less active and need fewer calories. However, their bodies can’t absorb nutrients at the same rate so they must pay close attention to what they eat.
Top 10 Men’s Health Problems
The three most common lifestyle habits contributing to poor health for men are smoking, drinking, and overeating. Fortunately, these habits can be changed, thus preventing or reducing the incidence of many of the top ten health risks for men mentioned below.
1.) Cardiovascular Disease – Studies suggested that one in three men have some form of cardiovascular disease. An estimated 2.8 million men experience a stroke each year, including hypertension which is occurring more frequently in younger men. Regular medical visits are important for monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart health.
2.) Respiratory Disease – Each year, more men are diagnosed with lung cancer than in the year past. Occupational hazards such as exposure to asbestos contribute to this risk, but smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory diseases.
3.) Prostate Cancer – The most common form of cancer for men and the second leading cancer death for men is prostate cancer. Typically considered a disease for older men, in reality, prostate cancer can occur in younger men as well. It is very treatable if found early, supporting the case for regular checkups.
4.) Erectile Dysfunction – A common health problem, especially for me with diabetes or prostate issues, is erectile dysfunction. There are a number of reasons why men develop erectile dysfunction, many of which can be treated. Don’t give up hope, seeking medical advice will certainly work to prevent such issues.
5.) Alcohol Use – Men experience higher rates than women as far as alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations are concerned. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, and colon. It also interferes with testicular function and hormone production.
6.) Depression and Suicide – Men experience depression differently than women, often reporting symptoms of fatigue and irritability. Men are also less likely to acknowledge the condition and seek help. It has been found that women are more likely to attempt suicide, and men are more successful with their suicide attempts.
7.) Unintentional Injuries and Accidents – According to studies, unintentional injuries were the third leading cause of death for men in 2009, behind heart disease and cancer. Unintentional injuries accounted for 6.2% of deaths in men versus 3.5% in women.
8.) Diabetes – For men’s health diabetes has been a major concern as it onsets a unique set of complications for men, including lower testosterone levels which can lead to a greater risk for sexual impotence, and can lead to depression and anxiety. Untreated diabetes also contributes to heart disease, nerve and kidney damage, and vision problems.
9.) Skin Cancer – It has been observed that men 50 years and older are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer, more than twice as often as women. This higher risk is likely related to more frequent sun exposure and fewer visits to the doctor.
10.) Influenza and Pneumonia – Other men’s health issues, including COPD, diabetes, AIDS, and cancer, make men more susceptible to influenza and pneumonia. Men aged older than 65 years are advised to have influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.
Conclusion
To prevent all the above concerns related to men’s health it is advised to follow an exercise regime on a daily basis. A healthy exercise regime will evade all concerns of the mentioned health problems for men. Eating well, living a healthy lifestyle, and exercising regularly can prevent and treat almost all of their major health problems. Men can also talk to their doctors about taking nutritional supplements and receiving immunizations in order to have long-lasting health. Besides exercise, regular consultation with the doctor will certainly evade many problems in future.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.