Posted : June 2013
Author : the admin
There can be
countless dangers to one’s health but these don’t get really dangerous until
someone shows too casual an attitude towards these. Here is a list of top 10
dangers to the men’s health. If you take better
care of your car or favorite electronic gadget than your own health, you are
not alone. According to a latest research men’s overwhelmingly dismissive
attitude towards their health can have dire consequences in the long run. Move from your man
cave to a medical provider to significantly reduce top serious health risks
like cancer, depression, heart disease, or even respiratory diseases.
Heart disease comes
in many forms, all of which can lead to serious, fatal complications if left
undetected. The American Heart Association indicates that more than one in
three adult men has some form of cardiovascular disease. Stroke targets an
estimated 2.8 million men and high blood pressure is common in younger males.
Routine check-ups can help keep that heart beating.
2. COPD and Other
Respiratory Diseases:
Various respiratory
diseases usually start with an innocent “smoker’s cough.” Over time, that cough
can lead to life-threatening conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema, or
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - all of which interfere with normal
breathing. According to the
American Lung Association, each year, more men are diagnosed with and develop
lung cancer than in years past. While exposure to occupational hazards
such as asbestos is an increased risk, smoking remains the leading cause
of lung cancer.
3. Alcohol: Friend
or Foe?
According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , men face higher rates of
alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations than women do. Men binge drink
twice as much and are prone to increased aggression and sexual assault against
women. Alcohol consumption
increases risk for cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon.
Alcohol also interferes with testicular function and hormone production,
resulting in impotence and infertility. According to the National Bureau of
Economic Research, if a problem drinker does not seek help, he is more likely
to commit suicide.
4. Depression and
Suicide:
Researchers at The
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimate that at least six
million men suffer from depressive disorders including suicidal thoughts
annually. If you’re depressed, the NIMH recommends following tips:
Exercise
Set realistic goals
Surround yourself
with loved ones
Postpone important
decisions
Seek professional
help
5. Unintentional
Injuries and Accidents:
The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention listed unintentional injury as a leading
cause of death for men in 2006. This includes drowning, traumatic brain
injuries, and fireworks-related mishaps. Motor vehicle death rates for male
drivers and passengers ages 15 to 19 were almost twice that of females in 2006.
And male workers incurred 92 percent of the 5,524 total reported fatal
occupational injuries. Remember: you are not Superman. Be careful.
6. Liver Disease:
Your liver is the
size of a football. Its functions include digesting food, absorbing nutrients,
and ridding the body of toxic substances. Liver disease includes conditions
such as cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, autoimmune or genetic liver diseases, bile
duct or liver cancer, and even alcoholic liver disease. According to a
study posted by the American Cancer Society, alcohol and tobacco use increase
your chance of developing liver disease.
7. Diabetes
Mellitus:
The American Diabetes
Association celebrates today’s “modern man” as someone who is more aware
of his blood sugar health. Men with diabetes face greater risk for sexual
impotence and lower testosterone levels, which can lead to increased depression
or anxiety. But that’s not all: when left untreated, diabetes can lead to nerve
and kidney damage, heart disease and stroke, and even vision problems or
blindness. Your action plan? Healthy eating and exercise.
8. Influenza and
Pneumonia:
Influenza and
pneumococcal infection are two leading health risks for some men. Men who
have compromised immune systems due to COPD, diabetes, congestive heart failure,
sickle cell anemia, AIDS, or cancer, are more susceptible to these illnesses.
The American Lung Association urges older males - especially African
American men and men over the age of 65 - to get vaccinated. Studies show that vaccinations
can be up to 70 percent effective in preventing hospitalizations for both
influenza and pneumococcal infection in those over 65.
9. Skin Cancer:
According to the Skin
Cancer Foundation, men over 50 are at highest risk for developing skin cancer - more
than twice the rate as women. Why? Because of more sun exposure and fewer
visits to the doctor. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention recommend wearing long sleeves and pants, hats with wide brims,
sunglasses, and sunscreen when outdoors for either fun or work. Lower your skin
cancer risk by avoiding exposure to UV light that comes from tanning beds or
sunlamps.
10. HIV and AIDS:
Men who are
infected with HIV may not realize it, as initial symptoms may mimic a cold
or flu. However, new infections are on the rise among gay, bisexual and other
men who have sex with men. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention states that in 2009, 61 percent of all new HIV infections were
attributed to same-sex activity and that 69 percent of new HIV infections
were among young males aged 13-29.
How to Deal With
It?
Now that you know
about the top 10 health risks that affect men, what’s next? Changing your
habits and becoming proactive about your health. Organizations such as
the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society offer
direct resources and support for today’s modern man. Addressing one’s health is
scary, but avoiding it altogether can be deadly. Go on, make that
appointment.
~Blog Admin~
Even tough guys like Lee Majors need a flu vaccine http://bit.ly/GJwWI6 Get vaccinated
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