Although men are often aware of the importance of being healthy, at times they can be reluctant to reach out for help. Many men brush off injuries, health problems, and doctor visits until it’s too late. This inaction contributes to the fact that compared to women, men die at higher rates from heart disease, suicide, diabetes, influenza, and more.
Thankfully, men can help reduce their risk of developing serious health issues by focusing on prevention and healthy living. Taking action earlier rather than later can also boost men’s chances of surviving and recovering from illnesses.
We wanted to share some ways in which men can improve their health over time. Although certain factors such as genetics and family history cannot be changed, healthy lifestyle changes can significantly boost health outcomes in men.
Don’t Avoid Your Doctors
Unfortunately, men are 24% less likely than women to have visited their doctor during the year, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Regular visits to the doctor are essential in preventing serious diseases and treating existing issues in a timely manner. It’s also important to stay on top of immunizations and essential health screenings.
Make sure to schedule an annual checkup with your doctor to discuss your recent health, medications, and any problems you may be facing. Your doctor can also screen you for important things like:
- Prostate cancer
- STDs
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Blood pressure
It’s important to visit your doctor regularly, even if you don’t think anything is wrong. They can help make sure you’re on the right track and prevent future health problems.
Find Healthy Outlets for Stress
Research shows that women are more likely to admit to feeling stressed while men can tend to bottle up their emotions. However, just because men are less willing to admit they’re stressed doesn’t mean they won’t have to deal with its effects. In fact, men under chronic stress are more vulnerable to develop serious issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
To fight stress, men should learn to recognize what things trigger stressful episodes for them. Noticing symptoms such as tension and irritability can help men accept that they are in fact stressed. After acknowledging their situation, men can find ways to decompress in ways that they enjoy.
This can include:
- A favorite exercise or sport
- Yoga sessions
- Meditation apps
- Alone time
- Time in nature
Managing stress effectively can have a positive domino effect on other parts of a man’s life. Their physical health, mental well-being, and personal relationships can all improve through effective stress management.
Stop Smoking
Men that smoke cigarettes or cigars have a higher risk of developing numerous diseases and health conditions, such as:
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
Smoking also increases the likelihood of death from prostate cancer, which is already a health risk that men should be aware of. Additional complications from smoking include erectile dysfunction, lower respiratory disease, and damage to the eyes.
Men can protect their health tremendously by avoiding tobacco products such as cigarettes and cigars. Once you stop smoking, the human body can recover quickly. In fact, your pulse and blood pressure will start returning to normal just 20 minutes after your last cigarette. Although it may be difficult to quit, it is worth enduring several failed attempts to ultimately succeed at becoming a non-smoker.
Reduce Unhealthy Weight Gain
Men tend to gain weight and carry extra fat in their belly and waist region. Belly fat can be risky as it contains visceral fat that exists in the depths of your abdomen and surrounds important internal organs. Carrying around too much belly fat can increase a man’s risk of developing health problems such as cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes.
To avoid the negative consequences of excessive belly fat, men can tailor their diets in healthy ways. This can include a reduction in sugar intake, an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption, and better portion control at mealtimes.
Conclusion
Although men may be at higher risk for certain health conditions, there are many great ways for them to reduce their risk and prevent serious illnesses down the road. This can be accomplished by scheduling regular doctor visits, managing stress properly, and avoiding smoking.
Good eating habits can also cut down on dangerous belly fat that tends to accumulate around men’s midsections. By following these simple rules, men can be well on their way to a healthier life and reduced illnesses.
To schedule your annual male check-up, give us a call or write us a note today.
AUTHOR
Maneeza Hasan Maneeza is a content marketing professional from Los Angeles, California. She loves to create content that helps people live better lives. To learn more about her please visit her website at www.maneeza.com