Mens Health -A Cavalier Attitude?Men's Health IssuesMens Health -A Cavalier Attitude? Well a lot of people think so and many are men! Men's health issues are being driven by concerns generated by the "Boomer" generation. Men are nearly half the population and yet they as a group have a very cavalier attitude towards their health. Men are, according to the Canadian Health Network, 39% more likely to die from cancer, 64% more likely to die from pneumonia and flu, and 78% more likely to die from heart disease. Men are 4x more likely to die from accidents. Men are also more apt to ignore symptoms. The "Real Man" ?The problem seems to originate in the "real man's trait" of being self-reliant and indestructible. In short, men have the wrong attitude towards seeking help. The Main Mens Health Issues are:> Prostrate cancer-- although slow growing and thus allowing early detection, it is the most common cancer among men. One in 8 will develop it. It is age related, family history related, and related to a high fat diet or African ancestry.Prevention includes eating lypocene rich foods such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon. Supplementing with 50 mgs of vitamin E, daily, is also helpful, as is selenium.Avoidance of beta-carotene supplements appears to have merit. Excessive use of multi-vitamins is counter-productive and raises the risk factor. > "Beer Belly"-- the risk of heart disease and others increases as the waist increases. Waist size greater than 40 inches should be cause for concern and action. Inaction increases the risk of diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Some studies suggest a reduction of life expectancy by seven (7) years. > Risky Behaviour-- men are more likely to partake of the following risk behaviours 1/ Binge drinking 2/ Cigarette smoking 3/ Unprotected sex 4/ Multiple sex partners > Not Seeking Advise-- men have a tendency to ignore getting regular check-ups and screening tests. Most heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cancers go undetcted and therefore undiagnosed. This is very tragic because these conditions and their consequences are detectable and preventable. It results in an 8 to 10 year life loss compared to women. One Solution?One key may be to teach health issues to young men, with a view to prevention. So, all you "real guys", take it seriously, mens health ! What are Antioxidants
|
