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5 Health Risks for Men That They Can’t Afford To Ignore

Depression

Even the strongest, healthiest men can fall victim to some extremely common health issues. Knowing what these medical conditions are is the first line of defense against combating them and finding ways to remain healthy.

Heart Health

chest pain

There are a wide range of heart issues that can affect both men and women, but untreated cardiovascular issues can cause some serious complications in adult males. Heart related issues include heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. Many health factors can impact and even cause these conditions from blood pressure and cholesterol to tobacco and alcohol use.

Warning signs of a heart attack include chest pains and discomfort. Heart attacks are caused for a variety of reasons and not all are known or exhibit major symptoms beforehand. Heart attacks are the result of a blockage in your coronary artery, which is why a healthy diet is so important for men of all ages. Heart disease is sometimes a precursor for a heart attack. In heart disease patients, plaque builds up and stiffens artery walls while constricting blood flow.

Strokes are also common among men and can be related to overall heart health. One cause of stroke is blocked arteries, as mentioned above. Strokes can also be caused by bleeding or bursting blood vessels.

Low Testosterone

Testosterone does more in a man’s body than just making them “manly”. Testosterone is responsible for a man’s sex drive, sperm production, muscle mass, strength, bone mass, and production of red blood cells. So when a man is experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, they shouldn’t be ignored.

Low testosterone in men can manifest itself in many different ways. Extreme fatigue and exhaustion are common side effects of low T. Decreased energy levels can cause other health complications such as lack of activity, and even depression. When a man suffers low T, his body will begin to lose muscle mass and gain body fat. Though decreased muscle mass may not impact strength or functionality, the imbalance of testosterone in the body can lead to gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue.

No man wants to experience low sex drive or sperm production, especially if reproduction is important to them. When a man’s body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells, it will impact his bone density and mass, which could lead to arthritis and osteoporosis.

Respiratory Issues

Human respiratory system

Most respiratory issues in men are due to smoking. Smoking tobacco causes a long list of health complications, but most specifically, COPD, lung cancer, and emphysema. Smoking isn’t the only cause of these conditions, but it is the most common. Exposure to asbestos or other harmful and hazardous materials can increase a man’s risk of developing respiratory issues.

Respiratory issues for men to be aware of include asthma, cystic fibrosis and pneumonia. There are several ways to combat and help prevent respiratory issues before they became a true medical condition in need of treatment. Eating a well-balanced diet that includes many of the vitamins men need, can help ward off issues. Regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and practicing good hygiene are all steps in the right direction toward respiratory health.

Depression

Depression can affect anyone, not just men. But there are some common factors that lead to depression in males.

Depending on age, different stages in a man’s life lend themselves to different depression catalysts. Young and middle-aged men can experience anxiety surrounding common daily problems such as work, finances, relationships, and parenting issues. Signs of depression are wide-reaching but can include:

  • Irritability
  • Feelings of sadness/emptiness
  • Inability to concentrate or focus
  • Exhaustion/Inability to sleep
  • Loss of interest in enjoyable things

Of course these symptoms can vary greatly depending on the person, but any sudden and obvious changes in someone’s demeanor can indicate the possibility of depression. Older men may experience the same depression symptoms but for very different reasons. These can include loss of a loved one or friend, ailing health, social isolation, or chronic pain. It’s important to keep an eye on loved ones who you think might be suffering from depression. Unaddressed depression can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions.

Liver Disease

liver

We’ve already stated that consuming an overabundance of alcohol isn’t good for a male’s overall health. But alcohol abuse specifically targets your liver and its ability to function. Physical signs of liver disease can vary, but the most common symptoms are jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, fluid retention, and pale bowel movements. Other symptoms include confusion, fatigue, and lack of motivation. Because these non-physical signs can easily be mistaken for other illnesses or everyday events, many cases of liver disease are left undiagnosed.

A man’s metabolism can actually break down alcohol more efficiently than a females, which means that men should limit their alcohol intake to 3-4 drinks a day. A drink is constituted as either 12 oz. of beer, 4 oz. of wine, or 1 and ¼ oz. of hard liquor. But alcohol isn’t the only thing that can cause liver disease or damage. Overuse of acetaminophen (found in many over the counter pain relievers) can also negatively affect liver function.

One good piece of information regarding liver disease is that the liver is the only organ that can regenerate. This means that even if parts of your liver are killed or destroyed due to prolonged use of alcohol or acetaminophen, these parts can repair and rebuild themselves within one month’s time.

Knowledge is Power

Understanding signs, symptoms, and causes of common men’s health issues will help you to recognize the onset of medical complications. Early diagnosis can help with treatment and living a healthy, quality life.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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