It sure is amazing how men can hide behind their masculinity and ignore the health disorders that so frequently trouble them. It is absolutely shocking that these disorders that are so easily preventable have become so deadly over the years. Sadly, preventive care or healthcare monitoring are some concepts that men really don’t like to believe in. And researchers and doctors all over the world are of the opinion that it is for this same reason that men die younger than women and at higher rates too.
We list here the top 5 common health disorders that men face and how they can prevent them. Read on and see for yourself how easily preventable these disorders are:
1. Heart Disease
Heart disease tops our list of the top five common health diseases that affect men. It’s the leading cause of death in men all over the world. And why is it, you may ask. Well, it’s because men don’t believe in preventive mechanisms. It’s because men don’t like to monitor their health.
There are many factors that can affect your heart, like family history, smoking, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Granted you can do nothing about your family history, but the rest you can easily monitor. Cut down on that pack of cigarettes and, if possible, stop it altogether and move on to a healthy diet style. Include some low-fat, low-sodium food in your diet. Bring in some physical activity and exercise in your daily routine. Lead a healthy lifestyle and watch your weight. And last but not least, limit your alcohol intake.
2. Cancer
Cancer is another leading health disorder that affects men all over the world. Of all the types of cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and colorectal cancer are the leading ones that affect men. While lung cancer is the leading killer of both men and women alike, prostate cancer mostly affects men.
Pay heed to that statutory warning in the cigarette packet. Avoid using tobacco products. You are not only putting yourself at greater risk but you are exposing others to passive smoke with that cigarette. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet and maintain a healthy weight. Protect yourself from the sun’s rays, asbestos and air pollution. Limit your alcohol intake. And above all, monitor your health. Early detection is the best weapon against any types of cancer.
3. Stroke
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in men among the world, after heart diseases and cancer. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood and oxygen to the brain gets clogged or bursts. Hypertension or high blood pressure is the most severe cause of a stroke. All the other factors are almost identical to the ones that cause heart disease. Risk of having a stroke also gets high with increase in age.
Maintain a healthy heart and you will greatly reduce your chances of having a stroke. Monitor your daily routine and control your blood pressure. Stay away from alcohol, tobacco products, and high-cholesterol and high-fat products. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid red meat. Incorporate moderate physical activities and exercise into your daily life.
The best way to prevent a stroke is to control the risk factors and know the warning signs, such as, sudden weakness of face, arm or leg, sudden dizziness, sudden trouble in sight and sudden severe headache.
4. Depression
Another serious condition that affects men is the medical disorder, most commonly known as depression. The most striking aspect of this condition is that it can go unrecognized for a long time and in most cases ultimately leads to suicide attempts. Depression can attack anyone regardless of any bias to age, caste, race or creed.
Feelings of guilt, anger, alcohol and substance abuse, hopelessness, fatigue, weak appetite, low concentration levels, restlessness, and thoughts of suicide are the most common symptoms of depression. The best way to fight this condition is to be aware of your body and your health. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t ignore your body.
5. Back Pain
This disorder finds its place on this list on the merits of its commonality and not deadliness. Almost one out of every two men you know must have experienced this condition. Although not very deadly, it can be very frustrating and debilitating. Acute back pain lasts from days to weeks and chronic back pain lasts for more than 3 months at a stretch.
Obesity, smoking, aging, overuse or improper use of the back, improper sitting posture are the most common causes for a aching lower back. Avoiding smoking, controlling your weight, maintaining a correct sitting posture, regular exercises are some of the measures by which you can control and prevent back pain.
Yes, men are expected to be tough. They are expected to ignore pain. But to be a little bit cautious about your own health is not being sissy but being aware of yourself and your body.
