Top 5 Health Risks Men Face as They Age
It’s well-known that men usually have shorter lives than women. Many believe this is due to the fact that many men put their health last. We’re all guilty of skipping yearly physicals or ignoring symptoms from time to time, which is exactly why it’s important to be aware of your health risks. Once you know what you’re up against, you can make a prevention plan- or contact your doctor if it’s time to make an appointment.
Here are 5 of the most common health risks for men.
1.Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual health problem. ED makes it difficult to obtain an erection or to maintain it. The condition impacts about 50% of all men 40 years or older. ED is caused by blood flow problems in the body such as vascular disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, drugs, and alcohol usage can also cause ED.
Though sexual health issues are never easy to talk about, discussing problems with your doctor is a must. The good news is that ED can be treated through lifestyle changes as well as with the use of prescription medications. Cialis is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat ED and the success rate is around 50-70 %.
One of the biggest drawbacks of treating ED with a prescription is the cost. However, there are all sorts of discounts on Cialis that will help you save money. Options include manufacturer’s coupons, patient assistance programs, and even free trial samples.
2. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in men and this form of cancer is one of the worst cancers to have. It spreads early and quickly, often doing severe damage before ever causing symptoms. Lung cancer is extremely difficult to detect and even harder to treat, especially in later stages.
One of the biggest causes of lung cancer is smoking tobacco. While smoking rates have dropped in the U.S., lung cancer numbers have dropped but the numbers are still quite high. If you’re a smoker, you’ll do your lungs and your overall health some good by quitting. Other lung cancer risks include:
- Secondhand smoke
- A poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Radon exposure
- Occupational hazards such as exposure to diesel fumes, arsenic, metals, solvents, and natural fibers
Since there are no tests to detect lung cancer, if you experience wheezing, persistent cough, or cough up blood, you’ll want to visit your doctor immediately.
3. Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease, which includes stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart disease are the biggest threats to men’s health. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in men around the world. Rates are even higher in the U.S. The disease kills one in four men each year.
Cardiovascular disease causes plaque to gradually clog the arteries in the heart and in the brain. Over time plaque can break off and form blood clots. This can cause a blocked artery which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
Since the cardiovascular disease can impact men of all ages, it’s important to practice heart health from an early age. This includes a wholesome diet and daily exercise. Exercise regularly (even if you start small with a morning walk) and invest in quality organic vitamins that support
As men start to get older, it’s important to have routine cholesterol and blood pressure checks.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is a tricky disease as it’s known to start silently, often causing few to no symptoms at all. Overtime blood sugar levels become extremely elevated and you may experience frequent urination because of blood sugar moving into the urine. Excess glucose in the blood slows the nerves and blood vessels throughout the body. The condition can cause a host of health issues including:
- Blindness
- Kidney failure
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Loss of feeling in the extremities
In 2015 around 1.6 million deaths were directly caused by diabetes. To minimize the risk of diabetes, eat a wholesome and heart-healthy diet. Routine physical activity can also assist in managing your weight and cardiovascular health.
5. Depression
Admitting to emotional difficulties is hard for men. Have you ever been in a bad mood for weeks on end? Do you find that you wake up sad and down? If so, you may suffer from depression. This health condition can cause low energy levels, difficulty focusing, sleep problems, a change in appetite.
About one in eight men are diagnosed with a mental health issue like depression or anxiety. While many think that depression impacts women more than men, this isn’t necessarily true. Men tend to hide symptoms of depression while women are more likely to admit to emotional hardship.
Conclusion
Predisposal of certain health conditions can be linked to all sorts of factors including age, lifestyle, and family history. Gender also plays a role in which health issues may become a reality for you. If you’re a man (or taking care of one), keep these 5 health risks in mind and know how to protect yourself against them.