On average, men pay less attention to their physical and mental health than women. The CDC estimates that 12 percent of men 18 and older are in “fair or poor health.” Still, men face the same health risks as women — plus others that are unique to men.
Below, we’ll outline the basic health advice that all men should be following. We’ll also discuss some of the unique health challenges that men, in particular, may face.
Basic Health Guidelines for Men
Men of all ages should abide by these healthy habits.
Eat a nutritious diet
Men should limit their intake of packaged, processed, and sugary foods. Instead, a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and nuts), and healthy fats should be consumed.
Alcohol should also be consumed on a limited basis, if at all. The CDC recommends a maximum of two drinks per day for men of legal drinking age.
If you smoke, even if it’s a minimal amount, take steps to quit now.
Exercise daily
As they say: If exercise was a pill, everyone would take it.
There is clear evidence to support the fact that regular exercise will keep you strong and healthy. Even small amounts of walking or partaking in physical activities such as gardening or working around the house can add to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Look to the CDC’s physical activity guidelines to learn how much exercise is recommended for your particular age group.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese is associated with many major diseases and conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, heart attack, and some cancers. Check your weight regularly to make sure you stay within a healthy BMI range.
A nutritious diet and daily exercise will do the most to help you maintain a healthy weight, but it all starts with being aware of your current BMI.
Reduce stress
Stress is the body’s response to difficult situations. Not all stress can be avoided, but it’s important to learn how to deal with stress in healthy ways. Chronic stress can lead to other physical health problems such as hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also related to serious mental health conditions such as depression.
Visit your doctor regularly
At least once per year, all men should get a physical exam by their primary care physician or health care provider. This is true even if you are not experiencing adverse signs or symptoms.
If you are experiencing unusual symptoms, be sure to write them down and discuss them with your provider. They are there to discuss your overall health and treatment options, when necessary, but staying healthy starts with you.
Unique Health Challenges for Men
As a man, you should be aware of some of the health challenges and risks you may face. Many of the leading health risks for men are shared by women — cardiovascular disease and diabetes, for example. However, the following conditions are especially threatening to your sex.
Prostate Cancer
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Although this type of cancer has a high survival rate, it’s important to be screened and to know the warning signs.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction or ED can be a problem for both older and younger men. This condition can understandably be difficult for men’s personal lives. It can also lead or contribute to problems such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Don’t be afraid to speak with your health care provider about possible treatments for ED that may help.
Lung Cancer
Compared to women, men tend to have a higher incidence of lung cancer. Today, we’re very fortunate that screenings for lung cancer are becoming more advanced and accurate. If you smoke, quit now, and talk to your health care provider about a possible screening for lung cancer.
Depression and Suicide
Men may also have a higher likelihood of struggling from depression and making suicide attempts than women. If you have a mental health condition, make sure you’re getting help from professionals.
Often, for men, this is especially difficult. It’s common for males to avoid asking for emotional assistance and to instead, try to “tough it out.” Increasingly, we’re happy to see this antiquated view of male mental health going by the wayside.
Men, like women, should never be afraid to ask for emotional or physical help of any kind. You should always feel confident about advocating on your own behalf for your own wellbeing.
Source
https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/NHIS/SHS/2017_SHS_Table_A-11.pdf
