Did you know that men have higher chances of dying from preventable diseases? It is common for men to think that they don’t have to worry about health problems as much as women do, and they often skip hospital visits even if they are sick. Men are vulnerable to different health problems at different ages. This discussion focuses on providing practical, expert advice to men to improve their chances of living long, healthy lives. Whatever the age, given below are the concerns you should look out for.
The 20s
Men in their 20s do not usually have many age-related health concerns, making this decade a really unchallenging time to phone it in when it comes to their health. However, this notion of invulnerability can lead to habits and behaviours that can contribute to creating serious health problems at the end of the day. Here are a few habits to watch out for.
- Drinking
University students in their twenties have the highest rates of binge drinking. Binge drinking, even in young adults, can trigger heart diseases in later life. It’s important for men in their twenties to choose to drink responsibly and avoid binge drinking. - Skipping physical exams
The majority of young men don’t go to the doctor until they experience serious medical issues. Skipping routine check-ups makes small problems go unnoticed and untreated until they become humongous and more difficult to treat. It is, therefore, important for all men to undergo regular physical exams to make sure everything is working in order. - Poor diet
Men in their twenties generally have a fairly high metabolism, making them look physically fit even after eating a poor diet. Consuming fast food and pizza and not eating enough fruits and vegetables can result in health issues in the 30s. So, it is important to maintain a nutrient-rich, balanced diet and not only think in terms of weight.
The 30s–40s
Men in their 30s and 40s should pay particular attention to preventive care, especially when it comes to heart health. Habits developed during these years could place men at a higher risk for heart disease in the late 40s and early 50s.
- Cholesterol
Men above the age of 35 should get their cholesterol levels checked every five years. Cholesterol levels are closely associated with the risk of heart disease, and males above the age of 45 are at an increased risk. - Stress
Career, finances, and family obligations present a lot of reasons for men to get stressed in their lives. Men under stress are at a higher risk of developing hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, which in the worst-case scenario can develop into a heart attack. Protecting your body and mind with regular exercise and skills to cope with stressful situations is important. - Blood Pressure
Screening of blood pressure every three to five years until age 40 is important for men, after which they must have it checked every year. Owing to the asymptomatic nature of high blood pressure, many men are not aware of having it, so the only way to know is to get screened. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure.
50+
Men 50 and older must pay special attention to their personal risk for different varieties of cancers. Although the most common type of cancer in older men is colon cancer, family history and lifestyle choices significantly influence the risk for cancer in men. Therefore, consultation with a primary care doctor to determine risk levels and undergoing necessary screenings are important to detect risk factors at an earlier age and stay vigilant.
- Colon Cancer
From the age of 50, men should undergo screening for colon cancer, as it is quite common in men of this age group. In fact, more than 90% of colon cancers are found in people over age 50. Because the cancer is far more treatable if caught early, getting a screening done is very important. - Prostate
Starting at the age of 50, men should get screened for prostate cancer. Nearly half of men aged 50 –60 develop an enlarged prostate that, at minimum, causes symptoms of discomfort and, at its worst, could result in cancer. Enlarged prostate is considered one of the most common health problems among men over 50, so keeping an eye on prostate health with a primary care doctor is important. - Heart Health
It’s important to continue to monitor heart health consistently, as heart diseases are the leading cause of death in males aged 45–54. Poor diet, stress, and lack of exercise in younger years can lead to heart issues at this age, so men must evaluate their risk level with a healthcare provider to determine how frequent screening parameters like cholesterol, blood pressure, and general cardiovascular health should be checked. One of the prime steps you can take toward a healthier future is to seek consultation at the right hospital. Regular visits with an expert doctor you trust will help you stay aware and take advantage of preventive care opportunities and lifestyle changes. If you need expert help in dealing with your health concerns, you can visit Reliance Hospital and seek health from the respective department. Our Cardiac Department houses the best cardiologists in Navi Mumbai who can advise you on how to keep your cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart diseases in control. As colon cancer is quite common in men after 50, you can get yourself checked at our Department of Oncology for risk factors and be vigilant from the right time.