Taking care of your body should be the priority in every stage of your life but even more after the age of 40. For men, taking proper care for their health might not be their top concern as everyone leads busy lives; whatever little time they might go in their families, friends or other activities. This is not to say that some of these diseases won’t occur before 40 but it is just that the likelihood of it to occur increases after 40. Here are the top 5 health problems you need to be concerned for if you have crossed your forties:
- Heart problems
The American Heart Association has concluded that men are more likely to have heart related problems as compared to women and that 1 in 3 men have some sort of heart problem. Cardiovascular issues may arise from several reasons such as family history, strokes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity etc. Lifestyle changes play a huge factor in determining if you are likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease.
- Respiratory problems
According to the American Lung Association, the number of men with lung cancer is increasing annually. Sometimes, a cigarette puff is all it takes to develop the habit and your health can go in a downward spiral unless you quit. True, that there are moderate smokers who have lived their whole lives without any serious respiratory issues but such people are an exception and not the rule. Even if you smoke a few times a day, it can compound over time and result in emphysema, bronchitis, or other lung related diseases.
- Curb down the alcohol
High alcohol consumption has been linked with liver problems, various types of cancer, colon and esophagus issues etc. According to research, men are more likely to develop these issues due to them consuming a higher amount of alcohol. It is not only health issues related to alcohol that cause death but drunk driving is a major factor in road accidents each year. Men with alcohol issues are more likely to be depressed, suicidal and can cause harm to others as well.
- Diabetes
We have so much unhealthy food these days that it is imperative that we watch the ingredients of whatever we bring into our homes. Thankfully we also have healthy eating options to prevent diabetes from happening at an early age. It is also known that men are more likely to get diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than women. If you are in your forties, have regular blood sugar checks, increase your physical activities, and improve your eating habits.
- Prostate problems
No man is risk-free from prostate problems and it is one of the most common male-related issues facing today’s society. Prostate issues mostly depend on the family history and the level of hygiene one has.
While these are the most common problems faced by men in America, we advise you to get regular check-ups and make some lifestyle changes that would prevent these problems. To schedule you check-up at Health One Family Medicine, visit www.healthONEmedicine.com or call (469)262-5762.