Men are always less likely to talk about their health issues. Most men think that if they can live up to their roles in society, then they’re fine and healthy enough. An editor in chief of the American Journal of Men’s health says “As long as men feel productive and working, at that time they’re not considering the risks to their health”. By preventing health problems and staying healthy provides security to your loved ones. So, take initiative to learn what you can do to protect yourself from the following diseases/ health issues for your better health.

Heart disease:

There are many forms of heart disease and all can lead to serious conditions if left untreated. Heart disease is responsible for 1 in every 3 male deaths. It is also known as a silent killer disease because it doesn’t show any early symptoms that gave you a reason to talk to your doctor early. But some risk factors can be monitored by your doctor.

Risks can be behavioural or conditional. High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes are some examples of conditional risk factors. While Poor diet, not getting enough physical activity, alcohol, and tobacco consumption are under behavioural risk factors.  High Blood pressure harms your arteries by making them less flexible. As a result, blood flow and oxygen flowing to the heart get restricted which causes chest pain, stroke, or heart attack in result. Obesity also increases the bad cholesterol in your body which will increase the risk of a heart attack.

You can prevent Cardiovascular Disease (heart disease) with the help of the following points:

• Quit smoking.
• Quit or avoid too much alcohol.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Manage your stress level.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Check your cholesterol level at the beginning of 25 age and every four years.
• Try to control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Do any physical activity for up to 30-40 minutes every day.

Also Read: What Are The Common Causes Of Back Pain And How Can Physiotherapy Help To Relieve Back Pain?

Lung disease and Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can kill more men than any other type of cancer. It is another lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of disability. Lung Cancer is often difficult to cure as less than half of men are alive a year after having it. Smoke or Tobacco is the major cause of increasing the lung health risks by 95% in all men. Tobacco-filled cigarettes are packed with cancer-causing chemicals. Moreover, it disarms the lungs’ defense system that helps to protect the lungs from numerous viruses, and bacteria.

Types of lung cancer i.e. small and non-small cell lung cancer.  Small cell cancer is divided into furthermore stages i.e. limited and extensive. In a Limited state, cancer is confined to one lung and near lymph nodes while in extensive-stage, cancer has spread to the other lung. Non-small cancer is divided into four stages. Biopsy, sputum test, Spiral CT scans of the chests of high-risk people may catch lung cancer in the early stage to improve survival. In non –small cell cancer, a surgeon may remove the part of the lung that has a tumor. Afterward, people used to get chemotherapy or radiation therapy, Immunotherapy, targeted therapy to kill the remaining cancer cells.

You can prevent Lung Disease with the help of the following points:

• Quit smoking.
• Avoid Drinking water that’s high in arsenic.
• Avoid Exposure to Indoor and outdoor Pollutants.
• Get Regular Check-ups.
• Staying Hydrated.
• Join a breath club.
• Avoid second and third-hand smoke.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in some countries. There are types of skin cancer that are majorly developing in men which are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cells are a type of cell that produces new cells as the old one dies. This carcinoma appears on the skin as a slightly transparent or white brown-colored bump. This carcinoma causes due to sun exposure. There are multiple types of treatment for this cancer that includes various surgeries and therapies. Untreated this can become more dangerous as these lesions grow wider deep into the skin which destroys skin tissues and bones. On the other hand, Squamous cell carcinoma is a fairly less aggressive or slow-growing skin cancer. But leaving it untreated also causes serious complications.

You can protect yourself from skin cancer with the help of the following points:

•  Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or 40+
•  You should wear proper clothes that cover your arms and legs
• Wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses to save or protect your face, ears, head, and neck against UV radiation.
• Avoid Indoor Tanning.
• Limiting sun exposure.
• Stop avoiding doctors.
• Take Herbal Supplements.

Influenza and Pneumonia:

People who compromised their immune systems due to diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure, AIDS, anemia, or cancer are easier to target by this disease. Men are about 35 % more likely to die from these types of diseases. To prevent this disease doctors recommend vaccination for men who are older than 60 years.

You can protect yourself from Influenza and pneumonia with the help of the following points:

• Wash your hands properly, especially before you eat something
• Eat a healthy diet
• Quit smoking
• Get enough sleep and Stay away from sick people also
• Take a warm bath
• Stay home
• Stop drinking alcohol

Diabetes:

Diabetes usually occurs without showing any symptoms. Excess glucose is the main reason behind getting diabetes. It’s a slow poison on blood and nerves in the body. Overweight people who face frequent urination and thirst are more prone to diabetes.

There are main two types of diabetes that affect men’s health – Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes Beta cells that are basically used to produce insulin are destroyed by the immune system  This type of damage is permanent and both genetic, environmental reasons play an important role in this. It is also known as an autoimmune condition. While in Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces more insulin, and when its insulin production decreases, it will lead to high blood sugar levels. Lack of exercise, genetics, being overweight is the main causes of type 2 diabetes.

Points to prevent or lower your risk of type 2 diabetes:

• Maintain your weight
• Manage your diet
• Do exercise regularly
• Avoid Smoking

But there is no cure for type 1 diabetes because it requires lifelong disease management.

Erectile Dysfunction:

This type of disease is occurring when a man can’t achieve or maintain sufficient erection to have sexual intercourse. This disease is very common but becomes problematic in many men. Medical or psychological conditions are the main causes of getting erectile dysfunction. Medical Conditions like diabetes, blood vessel narrowing, obesity, heart disease, hormonal disorder, and treatment of prostate cancer. Psychological causes include guilt, stress, depression, fear of intimacy, severe anxiety, and other concerns related to relationships.

Points to lower the erectile dysfunction Health risks in Men:

• Change your unhealthy lifestyle choices.
• See your doctor in order to manage or control heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic diseases.
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking
• Avoid or stop alcohol
• Don’t take illegal drugs
• Don’t take medicines without consulting your doctor.
• Take therapy sessions in order to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.

Prostate Cancer:

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in a man’s prostate. This cancer grows slowly and causes no serious harm, and may need minimal or sometimes, no treatment if detected early stage. However, Genetics, obesity, older age are the main risk factors of prostate cancer.

Males who experience difficulty in urine release, notice blood in the urine, feel pain or discomfort while sitting, frequent urination, especially at night are more prone to getting this cancer. Advance health risks of prostate cancer in men include bone pain, especially hips, thighs, and shoulders, tiredness, back pain, swelling in the legs and feet, sudden weight loss. However, there are various treatments for prostate cancer that includes radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, conformal radiation therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound. Other therapies include brachytherapy, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, etc.

Also Read: Do Children Need Pediatric Physiotherapy?

Things to keep in mind for preventing prostate cancer:

• Maintain your weight.
• Avoid smoking.
• Choose whole foods over processed ones.
• Exercise regularly.
• Consult your doctor.

Conclusion

Now you can understand about seven main health risks that affect men’s health in many ways. So your next step is to become proactive about your health and change your lifestyle habits because ignoring your health can be dangerous. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of the above-mentioned health-related risks, consult your doctor.