Being a Healthy Man

Being a Healthy Man

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a growth of one of the major sex glands of men. The prostate itself is roughly the size of walnut and is located slightly behind the urinary bladder. A tumor in the prostate can impede correct bladder control and typical sexual functioning. Problems involving urinating typically are prostate cancer's initial symptom.

Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis typically causes heart disease. This is the amassing of fatty substances such as cholesterol, on the arteries' inner wall. This attracts calcium, stringy tissue and blood elements. These substances harden into plaques that block arteries. Other factors can also cause some heart disease cases.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure is another major health issue for men. Blood pressure readings are typically given as two figures. The first figure is your systolic pressure, which is established when your heart beats. A high systolic pressure constantly exceeds 140. The second figure is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure within blood vessels while the heart is inactive. A high diastolic pressure constantly exceeds 90. Numerous factors can influence blood pressure, such as the levels of various hormones in the body; your kidneys', blood vessels' or nervous system's state; and the amount of salt and water in your body.

Lung Disease

Lung disease kills the third highest number of Americans. Lung disease symptoms include wheezing; cyanosis (blue or purple skin); chest pain; breathing failure; swelling; a constant or worsening cough; and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

Obesity

An obese person is defined as person with a body mass index that is greater than 30. Men's obesity typically collects near the upper body. Researchers are currently analyzing data indicating that obesity could be more detrimental for men, than for women. Obese men seem to have less endurance and more problems managing carbohydrates, than obese women.

Health Tips for Men

To remain healthy, men should take the following steps:

* Receive recommended screening exams (i.e. cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, depression, obesity, cancer)
* Take preventative medications as needed
* Stay physically active
* Eat healthy foods
* Abstain from tobacco smoking
* Remain at a healthy wait

Men's health issues are important not only to men, but also to those who love them.

Healthy lifestyle practices
The best way to stay healthy is to prevent problems before they occur. Learn some basics about healthy lifestyle choices.

* Tobacco use: If you smoke, get help with quitting. Do your best to limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.
* Exercise: Get 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise on most days.
* Nutrition: Nourish your mind and body with a healthy diet. Choose foods that are low in fat, eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and consider portion sizes.
* Safety: Use seat belts, bicycle helmets, and smoke detectors to protect against accidents and injuries. Make sure to store firearms properly.
* Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Don't drink and drive.
* Safer sex: Avoid high-risk sexual behavior.
* Preventive care: Stay up-to-date with your immunizations and screening tests.