If you take
better care of your car than your body, you’re not alone. According to Men’s Health Network, American men are becoming increasingly less aware of their
health issues. They’re not educated on common health issues, and they adopt
unhealthy work and personal lifestyles.
It’s
important to take your health seriously as a man – no matter your age. Here are
five health issues that are common among males.
1. Heart Disease
Heart
disease is a major killer among men. According to the American Heart
Association, more than one in three adult males have some form of heart
disease.
Cardiovascular
disease can come in many forms, but they all lead to serious and/or fatal
complications if left unchecked.
High blood
pressure is common among men under the age of 45, and stroke targets more than
3 million men.
Routine
check-ups can help detect, prevent and treat heart issues before they progress
to a more severe level.
Your doctor
can determine your risk of heart disease based on several risk factors,
including your blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking habits.
2. Depression
Researchers estimate that at least 6 million men suffer
from depressive disorders each year. Help is out there for those who are
suffering from depression. Therapy and medication have helped many men overcome
this complicated disease.
Lifestyle
changes can also help combat depression, including:
- Exercising regularly
- Talking to friends and family about the issue
- Journaling and writing down your thoughts
3. Sexual Issues
Men of all
ages can face sexual-related issues, including low libido. As men age, it’s
common for them to struggle with sexual performance. Men are often embarrassed or
ashamed of these issues, so they suffer in silence. But there is help out
there.
Common
sexual issues men face include:
- Premature ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low libido
- Delayed ejaculation
Sexual
dysfunction can have many causes, including:
- Low testosterone levels
- Smoking
- Blood vessel disorders
- High blood pressure
- Prescription drugs
- Alcoholism
- Drug abuse
- Stroke or nerve damage
- Depression
- Relationship problems
- Concerns about sexual performance
All of these
issues can be treated or managed with the help of a physician.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is common among men, although both genders can develop
this disease. If left untreated, diabetes can cause kidney and nerve damage,
stroke, heart disease, and even blindness.
Men in
particular may suffer from lower testosterone and sexual impotence. These two
issues can lead to anxiety and depression.
Prevention
is key. Here’s how to reduce the risk of diabetes:
- Cutting refined carbs and sugar
- Exercise regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Eat more fiber
- Cut down on processed foods
5. Liver Disease
Your liver
has an important job: to absorb nutrients, help you digest food, and eliminate
toxic substances.
Common liver
conditions that men face include:
- Viral hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
- Autoimmune diseases
- Alcoholic liver diseases
- Bile duct cancer
Alcohol and
tobacco use can greatly increase your chance of developing liver disease.
It’s
important to take good care of your liver. Cut back on your alcohol intake, eat
a healthy diet and be mindful of the effects of your medications.