Kevin Polsley of Loyola University has come up with a list of top five health Issues of men has to be concerned with. These diseases though seemingly common to men and women alike, in fact occur more frequently to men than in women.
- Heart Diseases
image courtesy
Men have higher risk of heart attacks than women; the study has revealed that this risk increase if there is a family history of heart disease. Also men who smoke have been found to have higher blood pressure and high cholesterol levels which normally are considered as primary inducers of heart diseases.
?Exercise and Diet are extremely important in preventing heart diseases?, says Polsley. Routine medical check-ups and regular updates on your blood sugar and cholesterol levels will reduce risk of sudden heart attacks. Lifestyle changes and regular exercises decrease the risk too.
- Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a silent disease that is growing in occurrence especially in men. Almost 18 million Americans have been tested positive for sleep apnea, and these men had no idea they were actually having a health issue. Symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring, waking up frequently in the night to urinate or any other reason, head ache in the morning or waking with a dry mouth.
Sleep apnea is the reason for many health issue that later lead to many serious diseases such as blood pressure, heart failure, heart attacks and stroke, hence it is very important to diagnose sleep apnea and treat appropriately. Weight gain also seems to induce sleep apnea; hence weight loss would reduce sleep apnea.
- Blood Pressure
This is the third widespread disease seen in men. Family history, obesity and lifestyle are considered the leading factors that cause high blood pressure. Weight loss can decrease the risk of developing blood pressure. Cases of high blood pressure seem to be on the rise recently, especially in the lower age groups. Work conditions, sleeplessness and stress equally contribute to such conditions.
- High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is connected to family history and genes; however a man can have high cholesterol even if he has no family history. Proper diet and exercise is required to prevent rise in cholesterol levels. Red meat has always been connected to high cholesterol levels; hence a reduction in consumption of red meat and increase intake of fish is advised. You can also go for fish oil supplement available across the counter.
- Colon cancer
Ever thought of such a problem for men, well it is in fact very important to get colonoscopies done once in every 10 years after the age of 50 says Polsley.