Top 5 Men’s Health Problems: What to watch out for?
Men Too!
A lot has been spoken and written about women’s health. But saying that men have less health problems is like saying pigs can fly. Nevertheless, being aware about your health and acting on it must be a priority for everyone. However, there are some specific problems that take a bigger toll on men than women.
This piece talks about men’s health problems and a few possible solutions including measures for self-care.
- Diabetes.
Never. Never assume that diabetes is only genetic. And that it strikes people over 50.
Diabetes is mostly a result of bad lifestyle. Of unmoderated sugar levels, sedentary lifestyle and overweight. If you are suffering with Type 1 diabetes, chances are that you will have to restrict yourself to certain lifestyle measures.
Experts suggest, people can make peace with diabetes by
- Avoiding processed sugar and oils
- Regular exercise
- Regular health checks
- And medication, if prescribed
- Heart Problems
Heart problem isn’t a standalone problem. It is more of an effect of other problems. For example, high blood pressure might give you a heart attack. People with hypertension and obesity are at a higher risk of facing blocked arteries and even a stroke. In case of a medical emergency, the patients are prescribed blood thinners for support. Patients with critical problems might even need angioplasty or a coronary artery bypass surgery.
- Liver Diseases
Your Liver is one organ of your body you just can’t take lightly. It could be weakened by hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Alcohol, unregulated diets, unprotected sex & drugs are likely contributors to bad liver condition.
When to see a doctor?
Yellowish skin, dark urine colour, frequent nausea, loss of appetite and chronic fatigue must be your whistle-blowers. If any of these happen, you must see a doctor and get it checked.
- COPD – Chronic Obstructive and Pulmonary Diseases
Men who smoke, stay out, ride through pollution, work in asbestos based and similar factories are vulnerable to COPD. The patients might suffer from chronic bronchitis resulting in increased inflammation in lungs and mucus, making it difficult for the patient to breathe. Other diseases that may affect them are refractory asthma (a non-curable disease) and emphysema.
Although most of the diseases are chronic, and last a lifetime, proper diet and exercise including breathing exercises can help you stay fit and cruise through these diseases. Extreme cases might need regular medicinal care including external control like inhaler subscriptions.
- Depression
You might be wondering what is this doing here. But as per WHO, suicide rate among men in India is 25.8 per 1,00,000 men. And the biggest reason for this is depression. People with depression feel alone, away from reality, and struggle with themselves. Overall mental health could lead to life changing decisions like deciding on relationships, career, and even the desire to live. Though the first thing to do is speak up with family and closed ones, a professional counsellor is someone no one should shy away from.
Experts suggest key lifestyle points that can nip many of these diseases and disorders in the bud.
- Never miss breakfast
- Follow a steady sleep schedule
- Have an active lifestyle with minimum 30 minutes of exercise
- Take minimum carbs and oil in your food.
Eventually, good health is all about nurturing and perseverance, and not about treatment. As they say, prevention is always better than cure.
