What health problems are men’s top concerns? The following article will show 5 health problems that men often worry about and how to prevent them. Do not miss it!
There are some health conditions that affect men more than women such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. An informal social media poll of about 2,000 men was conducted to find out what health issues worry men. Here are the 5 issues that are of most concern to people.
1. Prostate problems
It is estimated that 1 in 9 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. About 50% of men aged 51-60 will develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the organ itself.
Treatment for prostate cancer can vary. In some cases, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting, as it tends to develop very slowly. Many men with prostate cancer survive.
What can you do?
There are several screening tests for prostate cancer. Men over 45 years of age can have a routine blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) every year. This test could provide the early detection needed to prevent life-threatening prostate cancer.
If you have a family history of prostate cancer, one or more risk factors for prostatitis, talk to your doctor about screening options.
2. Arthritis and joint problems
These issues are of concern to men who want to maintain their mobility and independence, especially those who are athletic or lead a very active lifestyle.
Ironically, some of the extreme exercise efforts that some men pursue in their teens contribute to joint pain years later. People who regularly use muscle strength also have a higher risk of bone and joint problems in old age.
Arthritis is also one of the worries of men who often use muscle strength
What can you do?
While some age-related joint deterioration is inevitable, you can do a lot to improve joint health through lifestyle and diet.
See your doctor about joint pain early and often so you can start treatment before it becomes chronic.
You may also consider reducing your exercise intensity as you turn 40. This is better for your joints.
3. Sexual function
Although not a life-threatening condition, this is the problem that men are most worried about. They even spend more money on erectile dysfunction treatment than any other male health problem.
Many men enjoy sex and want to continue it for as long as possible. However, age-related loss of testosterone can decrease not only libido, but also overall health.
What can you do?
You can start combating testosterone loss by making changes to your diet. Eating foods rich in protein and zinc, for example, can help the body make more testosterone by providing the basic building blocks.
Lifestyle changes can also help, especially getting more exercise, spending time outdoors, and trying to reduce stress.
If you’re concerned about your testosterone levels, see your doctor.
No need to take pills, you can increase testosterone by changing your diet
4. Dementia and related cognitive disorders
For many men, the idea of losing cognitive function is terrifying. They often develop this anxiety when they see older adults around them living with dementia, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or other problems that cause memory or cognitive loss.
What can you do?
With the exception of stroke, the mechanism of these problems is still poorly understood. However, research shows that the “use it or lose it” principle applies to brain function quite effectively.
You can keep your mind active by playing games, solving puzzles, and staying socially connected. These activities keep the pathways of your nervous system running smoothly for many years.
5. Circulatory Health
Circulatory problems can seriously affect your health, even your life. They can start early with high blood pressure or cholesterol and develop into more serious problems later.
What can you do?
Two things can help improve your circulatory health: regular cardiovascular exercise and regular monitoring.
This means that you have to visit your doctor every year to have your cholesterol, blood pressure and other vital signs checked. You should also do 3 to 4 moderate cardio exercises per week for 20 to 40 minutes each.
If you are concerned about your circulatory health, you should visit your doctor regularly
In addition to the specific health concerns mentioned above, many men report that they worry about two things that significantly affect their health, but there’s nothing they can do about it. It’s age and genetics.
- “As I get older, I worry about my weight…”
- “My father passed away at the age of 45 from colon cancer”
- “The older you get as a man, the more your prostate bothers you”
- “My blood pressure is very high due to genetics”
- “Both sides of my family have heart problems and blood pressure so that is always my concern.”
Age and genetics always seem to be on a lot of men’s minds, because there’s nothing they can do about them. The bad news is that you can’t stop aging and you can’t change your genes. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless against either of those forces.
Think of two people at the gym. A 24 year old and the son of a professional defender, with a tall build. One is 50 and has a smaller body. If both exercise the same, it is almost certain that the younger, older person will be stronger after a year. But if the older and smaller person exercises more often and actively, he will have a better chance of becoming a healthier person.
And that’s just what happens in the gym. What the two do for the remaining 23 hours of the day influences their results more.
If you live a healthy lifestyle, especially avoiding some of the mistakes older adults make with their health, you can overcome many of the challenges inherent to age and genetics.
Reference source
The 5 Health Problems Men Worry About — and How to Prevent Them https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health-concerns Accessed: 30/11/2020
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
