Hormonal changes matched with contaminated environment could naturally bring diseases to the aging male. Protecting one’s health gets more and more important as one matures because of the weakening body system. In battling with these sicknesses, it is best to be knowledgeable about them so that prevention can be easy.
Medical records provide the following information on the five common diseases of men and the weapons that are needed to be armed with for a sure win:
1. Prostate Cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder that secretes a milky alkaline-based fluid, which prevents infection from spreading. Studies show that deaths from prostate cancer increase as a country gets more "Westernized." In the United States, a man dies of prostate cancer every 15 minutes.
Prevention: A high intake of fat, meat, dairy products, and grilled red meat has been associated with the risk of having prostate cancer. It is best to have, instead, soybean products, tomato products, lycopene, selenium, and vitamin E to prevent it. It has also been proven that exposure to the sun and fish consumption effectively reduce the risk.
2. Heart Disease. One of the most well-known diseases in history and one of the leading causes of deaths in men is heart disease. Poor blood circulation, death of heart muscle, and abnormal beating are some examples of heart disease that could be fatal.
Prevention: Cigarettes, high-fat meals and alcohol intake greatly increase the risk of having this disease. Regular physical exercise of 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week is still the best way to prevent it because it reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. It is best to eat bread, fruits and vegetables, low-fat products, and protein alternatives such as beans to prevent this sickness, especially if it is hereditary.
3. Diabetes. Approximately 35% of the people that are infected with diabetes do not even know that they have it. Diabetes is a medical condition associated to the high level of sugar in the blood. This disease can also cause impotence, nerve damage where one loses sensation, kidney problems, and loss of vision.
Prevention: Since diabetes is usually hereditary, it is best to have an annual test on your blood sugar level. It is also advisable to maintain a healthy weight through exercise and a healthy diet since most diabetics are obese and has high amount of body fat. Eating whole grain, low-fat products, and vegetables, and drinking lots of water are extremely helpful.
4. Kidney Disease. Kidney disease, a common complication brought by high blood pressure and diabetes is a medical condition caused by damage to the nephrons, which filters the blood. Since there are no noticeable symptoms, it is best to be extra careful on food intake. Overuse of medicine such as aspirin and ibuprofen is also one of the causes of kidney failure.
Prevention: Drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways to prevent kidney disease. Regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight is also a great help. It is also advisable to drink prescribed medicines and avoid pain relievers. Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and beans can also prevent kidney failure. Do also avoid heavy intake of salty food.
5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a group of pulmonary diseases that is the usual cause of lung cancer. It is characterized by the blockage of airflow because of swollen air sacs that could not be entirely cured. Included in the COPD are bronchitis and emphysema, which are often caused by cigarette smoking.
Prevention: Aside from quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke, COPD can also be prevented by avoiding extremely high and low temperature and very high altitudes. Indulging in physical activities can also maintain good lung health.
As is always necessary, consult your doctor as soon as you suspect that you are suffering from any of these diseases.