Men, strict health care and regular doctors’ visits go together like oil and water. Guys would rather strike up a conversation with strangers at a pub about the size, texture and colour of a seriously unusual growth, than see a doctor about it.
It’s probably because of this stubbornness and unwillingness to make regular visits to our doctor, take symptoms seriously, and live a healthier lifestyle, that we die seven years before women do.
The main killers:
Generally, a healthy lifestyle, routine doctor’s visits and preventative screenings are the best ways to protect your health. Below are the leading causes of death for men around the world:
- Colon and rectal cancer – It’s one of the most commonly occurring internal cancers and the second-most common cause of cancer related death, after lung cancer.
- Heart disease – A man’s risk of heart disease begins to rise steeply after 45.
- Prostate cancer – It is one of the leading killers of men globally.
- Accidents – Also called unintentional injuries. This is the number three cause of death among men.
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases – A group of diseases that affect the lungs.
- Stroke – Managing your high blood pressure can lower your risk of a stroke.
- Diabetes – Most men are unaware of this until they develop vision loss, kidney disease or erectile dysfunction.
- Suicide – Men are almost four times more likely than women to successfully commit suicide.
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease – These diseases usually occur after age 65 but are also on the rise among men in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
- Throat and lung cancer – Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer.
Truth be told guys, when it comes to our health issues, the stakes are too high for us to remain complacent.
A guy’s health to-do list
You would do well to stick this list on your bathroom mirror or refrigerator:
- Eliminate foods made from white flour from your diet.
- Stay away from dangerous trans fats.
- Take a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement.
- Incorporate weight training into your exercise routine.
- Maintain your optimal weight.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Protect your prostate.
- Masturbate to prevent cancer and boost immunity.
- Maintain vigorous sexual activity.
- Maintain close relationships.
And remember guys, we really do need to start communicating our health problems to one another and our doctors, the same way that women do.
