There are many reasons why men reportedly have a lower life expectancy in comparison to women, with one of the most common reasons being that they fail to visit a doctor regularly. As a result, they will allow their health to fall by the wayside, which could cause a medical condition to grow out of control.
If you want to ensure that you live to an old age, you must have a proactive approach to your health. Read the following tips to start caring for your mind and body.
Book an Appointment with a Doctor
It is believed men are 50% less likely to visit a doctor over a two-year period when compared to women. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention also found men three times as likely not to speak to a doctor for more than five years.
If you fall into these two categories, the first thing you must do is book an appointment with a doctor for a checkup or to discuss a health concern. A doctor can check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight to identify if you are living with a health problem.
Don’t Be Embarrassed to Discuss a Health Issue
Many men are reluctant to confront a health issue due to sheer embarrassment. However, you can guarantee millions of people across the world will experience the same or a similar complaint, so it will not come as a surprise to a doctor.
For example, if you are living with a UTI, incontinence, or erectile dysfunction, a quick and minimally invasive urology exam could help to diagnose the cause of your problem to help you resolve the issue.
Care for Your Heart
Heart disease is the number one cause of death among men in the United States. What is even more disconcerting is that more than half of these men experience few or no symptoms. Most heart diseases are, however, preventable diseases that can be controlled by altering your lifestyle.
You can lower your risk by quitting smoking, reducing your alcohol consumption, losing weight, and lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Confront a Mental Health Issue
Mental health disorders are one of the most common health problems among men in the US. In fact, suicide is reportedly the seventh leading cause of death in America for males. Instead of struggling with your emotions, it’s important to open up to others to tackle the issue once and for all.
If you feel as if you cannot talk to a doctor immediately, consider confiding in a loved one about how you are feeling first. For example, you could discuss your emotions with your partner, a parent, sibling, or a close friend, who might give you the confidence you need to speak to a doctor or therapist.
Adopt an Active Lifestyle
Exercise can be an effective way to take control of both your physical and mental health. For example, it can ease the symptoms of depression while lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol. It can also decrease the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease while strengthening your bones to reduce the risk of fracture.
There are a number of exercises you can incorporate into your lifestyle to improve your health, such as walking, cycling, weight training, dancing, or boxing. If in doubt, talk to your doctor about the best exercise plan for your health.
Take Control of Your Stress Levels
If you want to develop a positive outlook on life and protect your mental health, you must aim to manage your stress levels. For instance, you could reduce stress by enjoying between seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
You should also practice meditation to help you develop a more optimistic mindset while improving your mood. If you are experiencing much stress at home or at work, a vacation might be the relaxing break you need to help you tackle stress. As a result, you will return home feeling happier and healthier.
Protect Yourself from an Injury or Illness
In addition to protecting yourself from a variety of health conditions, you should take preventative measures to reduce your risk of an injury or illness. For example, you must always use a seatbelt when in a vehicle, and you should wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorbike.
You should also wear sunscreen when in the sun, and receive the appropriate vaccinations when traveling overseas to reduce the risk of developing a serious disease, such as yellow fever, malaria, or dengue fever.
