Here is some key info, that you all probably know, but never do. 2% of those who read this will actually go do something.
Good for you
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Men's
Health
Male deaths
outnumber female deaths in every age group apart from the over-65 years, and
only because so many men die before reaching retirement. Generally men tend to
pay less attention to their health and only consult the doctor when an illness
has became more serious.On average, Australian men can expect to live 79 years,
compared to women who can expect to live 84 years.
The top 5
health issues that are most relevant to men are Heart health, Mental health,
Prostate health, Obesity and Fertility. Let’s have a look at these health
concerns a little closer.
Heart Health
Important markers for men to keep an eye on include blood pressure, blood
cholesterol (including the ratio of good and bad cholesterol), fasting blood
glucose levels and resting heart rate. Pay extra attention to heart health if
you have a family history of heart disease.
- Blood
pressure– have your blood pressure
checked every two years if your blood pressure is normal. However, if you
are over 40 and or if your blood pressure is on the high side or you have
a personal or family history of high blood pressure, stroke or heart attack
have it checked yearly.
Blood tests– these check cholesterol levels and blood
triglycerides, among other things. High levels may indicate an increased
risk of various health problems including heart disease.
Obesity tests– being overweight is a significant risk factor for
many health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Ask
your doctor to check your body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement
every two years if you are aged under 40 years. If you are older than 40,
you should have this checked annually.
How to keep your heart healthy
Fortunately the risk of heart disease- a leading threat to men’s health,
can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Factors such as a good diet,
regular physical activity and a healthy level of body fat are a no brainer. But
it’s also important to avoid tobacco smoke, limit your alcohol intake and
manage stress for optimal heart health. Heart health can be maintained by using
dietary supplements like Omega 3, Multivitamin/Multiminerals, Green tea, Garlic
and high fibre foods.
Mental
Health
Modern society places a number of psychosocial pressures on men, which include
changing social, economic and family roles. Generally there is an assumption
that men should 'tough it out' in the face of injury or hardship and generally
pay less attention to illness than women to seek medical treatment of any kind.
Some other
issues that effect Men's mental health are separation, divorce and
unemployment. These impact more upon men than women, and which sometime result
in a destructive behaviour, such as drug and alcohol abuse.
How to avoid mental health issues
Develop social networks that foster open communication, and be aware and
contact the mental health services available to you should trouble begin
to surface.
- Be
proactive– the earlier you get help, the
faster you can recover. That’s why it’s very important to get help at the
first sign of any problems.
- Be
direct– it’s important to give the
doctor or mental health professional the full picture. Write down feelings
or questions before you see a mental health professional. This can help
you be more direct and makes it less likely that you’ll forget to tell the
doctor the important things about your symptoms.
- Find
the right mental health professional for you– you need to feel comfortable with the person who is
helping you. If you don’t feel OK with your first choice, choose another
doctor or get a second opinion.
Prostate
Health
The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that contributes fluids to
nourish sperm cells in the ejaculate. The three most common prostate problems
are enlargement, inflammation and cancer. The small prostate gland can become
enlarged as men get older. An enlarged prostate is also known as benign
prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
The prostate
gland can become enlarged as men get older. an enlarged prostate is also known
as beningn prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate gland goes around
the urethra, so men may have problems urinating if the enlarged gland
restricts the flow of urine. Some common symptoms of BPH include frequent night
urination, difficulty in starting and finishing urination and weak urinary
flow.
How to look
after your prostate
It’s important to monitor changes in your urinary habits as you get older, and
see your healthcare professional if things don’t seem right. Be sure to eat a
healthy diet, especially a diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables. Every
man past the age of 50 should see a doctor to have his prostate gland checked
every year. Herbal supplements containing the herb Saw palmetto (Serenoa
repens) may help to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Obesity
Obesity rates in Australia have more than doubled over the past 20 years.
Around seven million Australians are now overweight (BMI 26 to 35) or
obese (BMI over 35). Estimates taken in the year 2000 suggest that, while more
men are overweight than women (67 per cent compared to 52 per cent), obesity is
more common among women (22 per cent) than men (18 per cent).
Men tend to
store fat around their tummy, which may be associated with a higher risk of
illness and disease. It seems that where you carry your weight is more
important than just what you weigh. A trimmer, leaner abdomen is an important
health and fitness goal for all men.
How to maintain a healthy weight
First thing is to develop a healthy lifestyle plan that helps you lose body fat
or maintain it at a healthy level. This includes consistent and regular
participation in physical activity and exercise such as strength training,
interval training, as well as cardiovascular exercise such as walking, cycling
or jogging to elevate your heart rate.
Combine
exercise with a healthy diet plan that focuses on reducing your kilojoule
intake by controlling portion sizes, cutting back on processed foods and sugar
laden drinks, consuming alcohol in moderation, and eating plenty of fruits,
vegetables and whole grains.
Increase
protein and fiber in the diet and reduce saturated fat, carbohydrate and sugar.
Fertility
Male fertility problems include poor quality sperm, low sperm count or
blockages in the tubes of the reproductive system. Around 40 per cent of
fertility problems originate in the man. Some men may not think about their
fertility until they start planning a family, but an unhealthy lifestyle may
reduce the chances of conception.
What to do
for healthy fertility
Living a healthy lifestyle is very important for men if they are trying to
conceive. Maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a healthy diet, being
physically active on a regular basis, drinking alcohol in moderation and
avoiding cigarette smoke are all important for sexual function and fertility.
Try avoiding very hot baths or long spas to help keep the testicles cool and
produce good quality sperm.
The Future
We look forward to all men choosing a healthy diet and lifestyle, and
consulting regularly with their healthcare professionals to ensure they enjoy
the best possible quality of life. Dietary supplements like a Multivitamins,
Multiminerals, Omega 3 and herbal supplement may help to reduce the
risk of some men’s health issues.
