So you notice that you have to let your belt out an extra notch to feel comfortable. You tend to be a little short of breath after light exertion that you used to be able to do without even thinking about it. You ponder what this could mean as you put out your cigarette. You wonder if you should have a checkup by your doctor. You, my friend, are a health risk.
There are several serious threats to men’s health and prevention is the pay off. Here’s some ways to reduce that risk.
Heart disease: If you smoke, ask your doctor for suggestions and help on quitting. Second hand smoke can be an issue also. Add more veggies, fruits, whole grains, high fiber grain and fish to your diet. Try to avoid saturated fat and sodium. If you have any chronic conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, follow your doctor’s advice on keeping them in check. Also get moving. Do something that you like to do to get more active, even just walking is a good choice. It’s cheap and you don’t need any special equipment but a good pair of sneakers. If stress is an issue and you can’t avoid it, learn healthy ways to deal with it.
Cancer: Smoking can contribute to different forms of cancer. Try to quit. Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping it off can lower the risk of a lot of cancers. Alcohol can increase the risk of colon, lung, kidney, and liver cancer. The more you drink, the higher the risk so limit your intake. Have screenings for cancer regularly because screenings can catch cancer in the early stages. The survival rate is much higher when caught early.
Accidents: Car accidents are one of the leading causes of men’s deaths. Always wear your seatbelt, obey the speed limit and traffic laws. Never drive when tired or groggy from lack of sleep or medication. The prevention labels are on the medicine bottles for a purpose, read them. Do not drive while drinking…ever.
Stroke: Your family history, race and age can contribute to having a stroke. However, there are preventive measures that you can take. Manage any chronic conditions and follow your doctors orders, avoid smoking and alcohol. Eat healthy and exercise.
Type 2 Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to heart disease, eye problems, nerve damage and other complications. If you do have diabetes, keep it controlled. Use your glucose meter daily. Eat healthy, watch your sugar intake and keep physical activity in your life.
Suicide: Believe it or not, suicide is a high health risk for men. If you’re feeling depressed, sadness, unhappy, a loss of interest in normal activities, please talk to your doctor as soon as possible. There is treatment that can help. If you are contemplating suicide, call for emergency help or go to the emergency room immediately.
Get serious about reducing the risks listed above. You only have one life to live so make it the best one you can have!
By Linda Lee Ruzicka
Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She also does freelances work for Beyond and Healthcarejobsite. You can read more of her blogs on Healthcarejobsite blog.
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