This November, as we turn our focus to men’s health, let us look at the biggest threats that men face. Also, discuss how men can take charge of their health. Heart disease and cancer are the biggest threats, but they are not the only ones. There are other conditions like diabetes, injuries, lung diseases, and strokes, which are also dangerous. Thankfully, a lot can be done to control these risks or even prevent them. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of Men’s Health Month. We will focus on early intervention, lifestyle measures, and standard screenings.
Understanding Key Health Risks for Men’s Heart Disease and Cancer:
Heart Disease and Cancer: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men, and cancer follows closely. Adopting heart-healthy habits, like eating well, staying active, and managing stress, can lower your risk.
Other Major Risks: Men are also at risk for lung disease, diabetes, and injury-related complications. While some risk factors, like genetics, can’t be avoided, lifestyle habits play a significant role.
Preventive Health Measures For Men’s Health
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Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption:
Smoking is still one of the leading causes of preventable death, which results in such life-threatening diseases as heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disorders. Also, alcohol consumption to the extent of being abusive also has negative impacts on the heart, and liver, and can cause cancer.
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Keep Up with Regular Checkups:
Men are usually not keen on visiting the doctor and may only do so when the symptoms are rather severe. However, if the diseases are detected earlier by the doctors, then the treatment is easier and may also be more effective. These are very important as they help in determining your risk of developing such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, and others.
Some common conditions that can be avoided with early detection are prostate or colorectal cancers.
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Eat Clean:
Emphasis should be placed on eating foods that are not processed. A good diet is very important for the health of men. Foods that are prepared and packaged have sugar, fats, and chemicals in them that are not healthy. To avoid processed food, the diet should be changed to take more natural foods that contain vitamins and minerals and no additives.
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Smart Grocery Shopping:
When buying groceries, one should ensure that he or she buys items that are located at the perimeter of the store since that is where the fresh produce, meats, and dairy products are located. Fill your cart with Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products include brown rice and whole grain bread and pasta. Fiber-rich foods: These include beans and other legumes, and green leafy vegetables. Lean meats, poultry, and fish.
In Malta, Beyond Energised is your best online store for smart grocery shopping. You get freshly produced foods at the best price.
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Stay Active:
It is also important to stay active to prevent heart disease and other lifestyle diseases. Some of the benefits of exercising include; it helps in the growth of the heart muscles, reduces stress, and improves mental health. How Much Exercise Is Enough? Men should at least engage in 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week. This could be something as simple as five 30-minute sessions of brisk walking.
Also, it is recommended that one should engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week such as weight training, yoga, etc to boost metabolism and also build muscles.
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Maintain a Healthy Waistline:
This is because men also tend to gain weight as they grow older, particularly around the abdomen. Obesity, especially central adiposity, is associated with severe complications such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The change in the diet and the increase in activity can help to reduce the build-up of fat around the stomach and generally boost health.
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Supplement Wisely and Get Your Vitamins:
In general, it is better to obtain all the necessary nutrients from the diet, but some men may need supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, and multivitamins may also improve the overall health. However, it is best to consult your doctor first to ensure that they will be of benefit and will not cause any harm to your body.
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Protect Your Skin:
Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a very common and deadly disease, especially in men after the age of fifty. This is because men tend to spend more time in the sun, and do not apply sunscreen as frequently as women. This increases the chances of getting UV damage.
When you are outside, try to seek shade and cover up with clothing. Use sunscreen with at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 and apply it every couple of hours; avoid using tanning beds as they emit UV rays. It is recommended to check your skin once in a while to look for any new moles or dark spots. Also visit a dermatologist for a full-body skin check at least once a year.
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Consider Testosterone and Other Age-Related Changes:
It is normal for men to have low testosterone as they grow older, this hormone is linked with sexual function, mood, and energy. This condition is often called ‘male menopause’ and can affect the well-being of men.
Closing Thoughts
For this particular month of November, which is the men’s month, consider making at least one of these changes towards improved health. It may be a scheduled visit to the doctor, the decision to eat healthier, or even getting back into exercise. All these are small steps towards making the world a better place for everyone as we seek to be healthier, happier, and more active every day.
