Turning 40 years old is a milestone for anyone to be proud of, but it does come with some risks. If you have been taking care of your body and watching out for your health, then it’s likely that you are on the right track.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for most men over 40. According to “Men’s Health Network”, most men take better care of their favorite hobby items, such as a favorite gadget or the classic car in their garage, than their own bodies.
Taking Care Of Your Body At 40+
Generally, this is due to lack of health awareness, low health education, and health-harming work and lifestyle choices. If you are over 40, take a look at the following health risks and take steps to ensure that you are on a healthier path.
This will help you to live a longer life by avoiding the health concerns that are most likely to turn into a big problem for you and your loved ones.
Heart Health
Your heart is one of the most important parts of your body, and just like an engine in a vehicle, it can wear out over time. The only way to keep it in check is with proper care and maintenance. It may sound a bit blunt, but the reality is that being aware of your cardiovascular health is the best way for you to ensure that everything is in order.
Regular doctor visits and checkups will make sure that any hidden issues that you might have are brought to light and appropriate treatment is determined and applied early. If you want that heart beating the right way, you need to visit your doctor and make sure you never miss your checkups.
Furthermore, if you feel or experience any problems with your heart like chest aches or rapid heartbeat for no reason, don’t delay. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Respiratory problems can arise from many different lifestyle choices. One of the most prominent of these choices is smoking. Many smokers develop what they call a “smoker’s cough”, but they don’t pay much attention to it and blame cigarettes for the condition.
The big problem is that over time this seemingly innocent cough can lead to COPD or even lung cancer. Obviously, smoking creates the highest risk of respiratory problems occurring, but you also have to be mindful of hazardous work environments and living conditions. Just because you don’t smoke doesn’t mean you are not at risk.
It is a good idea to do a low-dose CT scan regularly to ensure that you are not at risk of developing lung cancer. Again, visiting you doctor on a regular basis is the best preventative measure against these types of diseases.
Alcohol
While in small amounts alcohol can be good for your body, if consumed too frequently it can be a nightmare. Men have a much higher chance of death or hospitalization due to alcohol consumption. Statistically, men are almost twice as likely to binge drink as women, which can cause increased aggression and violence.
Alcohol increases your risk of cancer of the mouth, liver, and colon. Hormone production is also affected by alcohol and can leave you infertile or with other testicular issues. According to the numbers, men commit suicide more often than women and they are also more likely to have consumed alcohol prior to their suicide.
It can ruin your life and the lives of many others, whether they are someone you know or someone who you have never met. So next time you are about to consume alcohol stop and think about the risks you are taking.
Depression and Suicide
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly six million men suffer from some sort of depressive disorder, including suicidal thoughts. Depression can be a big problem in a person’s life.
It can lead to anxiety, reclusive behavior, mental instability, and can even cause physical problems. The best way to deal with depression is to talk to your loved ones about it and seek professional help. Regular exercise and writing down your thoughts can also help when dealing with depression.
Liver Disease
If your heart is like the engine of your body, then your liver is the filter. The liver helps your body absorb nutrients from food and at the same time works hard to rid your body of toxic substances which can be extremely harmful or even deadly.
Cirrhosis is the most common liver disease out there and is usually caused by alcoholism or hepatitis. Your liver is an astonishing organ. It keeps your body healthy and functioning properly, and it supplies you with necessary nutrients to live. That is why it is absolutely vital to make sure your liver is functioning properly.
Diabetes
In the United States alone, 29.1 million people suffer from some form of diabetes. Out of those 29.1 million, about 8 million are unaware of their condition. If left untreated, diabetes can cause severe problems such as kidney damage, stroke, and even blindness. Those who suffer from diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin (or none at all) to reduce glucose levels in their blood.
The best way to get your diabetes under control is through a proper diet and regular exercise. Diabetes is manageable but generally medical help is required. Awareness and knowledge will help you fight diabetes and its effects on your body.
Skin Cancer
According to statistics in 2013, about two-thirds of all melanoma deaths were men. This means that more than twice as many men died from skin cancer as women. Skin cancer is caused by high exposure to UV light sources, the most common being the sun. Staying protected from sunlight is the best way to avoid skin cancer.
Using long sleeves, sunscreen, and sunglasses while outdoors is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Avoid tanning lamps and UV tanning salons as much as possible, as this will also reduce your risk of getting skin cancer.
All of these health risks can be avoided and treated as long as they are discovered at the right time. You can’t treat a disease you don’t know that you have. This is why visiting you doctor is so important. It can save your life! So whatever you do, don’t skip your next doctor’s visit.
