Our bodies can be likened to a car. If we regularly service the car and fill in the proper fuel, the car will last a long time without many problems. In the same way, we ‘service’ our bodies by getting regular check-ups and we fill our bodies with the proper fuel by eating the right food.
But we are not invincible. We may do the best we can to be as healthy as possible but we are only human. Unfortunately, as time goes on, we tend to see more health issues with an increase in age. There are common health issues that are specific towards men and women, but in the following, we will look at 5 common health problems for men.
- Heart Issues
The most common health concern for men is heart issues. The American Heart Association claims that nearly half of all U.S. adults have some type of cardiovascular disease, a percentage that reflects recently updated guidelines for treating high blood pressure, according to a new report. High blood pressure or hypertension often leads to heart attacks, heart failures and stroke.
We can mitigate the risk of developing heart issues by having a balanced diet and watching cholesterol intake. Regular exercise is also a must as well as mental exercises. Make time in your everyday life to meditate which will help with stress and blood pressure issues.
- Mental Health Issues
Mental health complications are also a growing factor among many men today. Constant financial, personal and even world pressures (think pandemic) in today’s society help contribute a lot to the mental wellbeing of a man.
Some common mental health issues are:
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Bipolar Disorder
As mentioned earlier, try and have a regular workout routine and also try to avoid indulging in alcohol or drugs to numb the pain. Seek some professional help if it is too hard for you to cope alone.
- Liver Problems
You love your beer right? And so do many other men. Even if beer is not your thing, alcoholic beverages are the biggest cause of liver problems, especially for men.
According to MedicineNet, “Many diseases and conditions can affect the liver, for example, certain drugs like excessive amounts of acetaminophen, and acetaminophen combination medications like Vicodin and Norco, as well as statins, cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, infectious mononucleosis (Epstein Barr virus), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), and iron overload (hemochromatosis).”
Treatments for liver problems really depends on what has caused it. So it is best to consult your doctor if you have any concerns or if you suspect you have liver problems.
- Diabetes
There are 2 main types of diabetes but Type 2 diabetes is the most common. NIDDK states “Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high.” Diabetes can severely affect your quality of life and can quickly become life-threatening in many situations.
It is recommended to seek professional advice from your doctor. But there are a few ways you can lower blood sugar levels:
- Exercise regularly
- Watch your carb intake
- Increase fiber intake
- Drink plenty of water
- Respiratory Problems
A lot of men once had respiratory problems as children but over time have outgrown it. But for some men, that issue still remains and it is not uncommon. Many men also had jobs where they constantly inhaled chemicals or particles from the air. These men are now seeing problems from hazards years later.
Some common respiratory problems are:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Lung Cancer
Another common cause of respiratory problems is smoking. A large portion of aging men smoked before all the effects were known. Now, even if you have stopped smoking, lung and respiratory problems remain or can worsen over time.
Take Action Now!
These common problems in men can be avoided or at least mitigated. Some causes for these problems can be due to genetics. But make sure to address this issue with your doctor first before you attempt to cure it yourself.
If you don’t have any of these problems mentioned yet, do not think you’re in the clear. These problems can still develop over time so it’s important to take care of your body and your body will take care of you.