What are the greatest threats to the health of adult men?
The greatest threats to men’s health are heart disease, stroke, cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease. Motor vehicle accidents and suicide are other common causes of death among men. Compared to women, men are more likely to smoke and drink, make unhealthy or risky choices and put off regular checkups and medical care.
Men’s health month is dedicated to heightening the awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease. Your ability to stay strong and live longer are not just a matter of good genes or luck. You can take some simple steps to support your health, your family, and your future.
Your health is your greatest wealth. Some general and well-known tips to good health includes be smoke-free, limit alcohol, eat healthy, and manage your weight. Other specific steps to take are:
- Keep track of your risks. Your lifestyle, family medical history, and workplace may increase your risk of health problems. You doctor should also be aware of these risk factors.
- Get physical. Choose activities that you enjoy and schedule physical activity into your daily routine. Regular exercise can help you control your weight and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Manage stress and depression. Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Feelings of sadness or unhappiness and loss of interest in normal activities are common signs of depression. Balancing work and family obligations can be challenging and suicide is a health concern among men with depression. Find healthy ways to cope and seek professional help if you have difficulty coping.
- Get enough sleep. Insufficient sleep can affect your mood and is associated with accidents and a number of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep every day.
- Be safe. Motor vehicle accidents is a common cause of death among men. Practice safety habits while driving and take steps to protect yourself at home and at work.
The bottom line is: take charge of your health. Don’t avoid visits to your doctor. Understanding health risks is one thing, taking action to reduce your risks is another. Regular checkup and health screenings are important for early detection and treatment of diseases. Healthy lifestyle choices, eating a healthy diet, staying physically active and limiting alcohol will greatly impact your health in more ways than you know.
Resources:
Men’s Health♦
Men’s Health Checklist♦
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
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References:
Mayo Clinic♦
Cleveland Clinic♦
NLM National Institute of Health♦
