Health Challenges for Men: Learn Different Ways to Successfully Manage Your Health
Men of all ages need to go to the doctor regularly in order to stay healthy and maintain their well-being. On average, men live about seven years less than women, and the reason is partially because they don’t visit a doctor on a regular basis. For young men in particular, sexually-transmitted diseases are a primary concern. Did you know that nearly half of the 20 million new STD cases each year are among young people, ages 15-24
Health Challenges for Men
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the top causes of health issues for men arise from heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke. There are also some health conditions that strictly affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. A lot of the health problems that men might face are preventable and treatable, provided they are diagnosed early.
Preventive Measures to Take Today
Making a few small lifestyle changes can significantly lower the risk of contracting any of these common diseases for men. Men are more likely than women to smoke, drink, make unhealthy choices and put off regular check-ups. Here are some things that most men can start changing today:
- Don’t smoke. Try to avoid exposure to smoke all together. This includes secondhand smoke, air pollution and chemicals. If you or someone you know smoke or use other tobacco products, schedule an appointment with ACCESS today to start the road to helping you quit. For more information about quitting, call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1.866.784.8937.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Ensure that you eat a balance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein. Try to limit foods that have high levels of salt and saturated fat.
- Maintain a healthy weight. By eating well and exercising frequently, you can lower your risk of heart disease as well as some types of cancer.
- Exercise is important. Get moving each and every day. Exercise can help control your weight as well as lower the risk of health problems such as heart disease and strokes. Don’t force yourself into doing activities that you don’t like. Choose physical activities that you enjoy, whether it is brisk walking, running, biking, swimming, or something else completely. Any and all physical activity benefits your health.
- Limit your alcohol intake. High alcohol consumption is directly linked to various types of cancer, such as liver cancer. The risk increases with the quantity of alcohol you consume and the length of time you’ve been drinking regularly. However, if you do drink, the number of drinks that can adversely affect your health is critical. For men under the age of 65, drinking in moderation means up to two drinks a day. For men over the age of 65, this means one drink a day.
It is important to take measures to prevent any health problems. Don’t wait until something is serious to make an appointment to see the doctor. If you have any questions about health challenges for men, schedule an appointment with your provider today. ACCESS has locations near you and our team of health care professionals is ready to help you learn more and take control of your health.
Sources:
https://medlineplus.gov/menshealth.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/mens-health/art-20047764?p=1
http://www.health.
As of February 24, 2023