In this blog post, we'll explore six intriguing 6 facts about men's health, shedding light on both common and uncommon aspects of their well-being.
Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue.
Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.
1. Macho men
A study on men's health conducted by Himmelstein and Sanchez -- published in the Journal of Health Psychology -- involved gender-role interviews with nearly 500 males and females. It found that guys with traditional masculine ideals were less likely to seek healthcare, more likely to downplay symptoms, and had worse overall health compared with women and men with more progressive ideas of masculinity.
2. Cholesterol Medication Could Be Lowering Your Testosterone
As you may know, all sex hormones are made of cholesterol, including testosterone. Medications that lower cholesterol in the body can also lower the levels of testosterone in men. If your high cholesterol is not caused by genetics, hypothyroid issues (yes, hypothyroidism may contribute to high cholesterol, it's called lipogenesis), or blood sugar imbalances, then you may want to consider changing your lifestyle.
By improving your diet and exercise regime, you may significantly lower your cholesterol without taking statins. I wrote this article about how cholesterol may contribute to body pain.
Important factor to consider, if you are concerned about your high cholesterol, before anything else please have your doctor order Advanced Lipid Panel, where you may see if there's an actual health risk for cardiovascular disease. Regular lipid panel gives only a fraction of the information about your cardiovascular risk. Here's an article on the importance of knowing your Lp(a) number.
3. Heart Disease causes 1 in 4 Male Deaths
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Some of the contributing factors to heart disease are: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and stress . However, there are a few basic steps you can take towards heart disease prevention:A healthy meal plan for men focuses on balanced nutrition with lean protein (sources like chicken, fish, lean beef, or plant-based proteins such as fermented tofu and beans is crucial for muscle maintenance and repair). A variety of colorful vegetables and fruits ensures an ample supply of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, farrow, and whole-wheat bread offer sustained energy and fiber for digestive health. Healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts & seeds, olive oil, and ghee contribute to heart health and aid in nutrient absorption.
It's important to stay hydrated and practice portion control. Balancing portion sizes and mindful eating can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent overeating.
A proper exercise plan for men's health encompasses three crucial components: strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and stretching. Strength training is essential in building and maintaining muscle mass, improving bone density, and supporting overall functional fitness. It can include activities like weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, or resistance training.
Cardiovascular exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, boosts cardiovascular health, enhances endurance, and aids in weight management. Incorporating regular stretching exercises to promote flexibility, improve range of motion, and help prevent injuries.
By combining these elements, men can achieve a well-rounded exercise routine that enhances strength, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility, leading them to improved overall health and well-being.
Make sure to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert to personalize an exercise plan based on individual goals and fitness levels.
Effective stress management is essential for men's overall well-being and mental health. Prioritizing relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation (see below), or yoga can provide a sense of calm and improve mental resilience.
Establishing a healthy work-life balance, setting boundaries, and scheduling leisure activities can help alleviate stress related to professional demands.
Men should prioritize self-care, practice effective time management, and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation to manage stress and promote overall well-being.
4. Men Survive Colorectal Cancer Better Than Women
Men have a higher survival rate with colorectal cancer because they are more likely to be diagnosed with left-sided tumors. Because the right-side of the colon is larger, the tumors grow larger before causing symptoms. This makes a difference in the early detection of this cancer, the third leading cause of cancer death in the US.
5. Married Men Live Longer
It is commonly known that married men live longer than single men. Loneliness and social isolation experienced by unmarried men gives them an 82% higher risk of dying from heart disease.
6. Men At Work
Although women represent 50% of the workforce, men make up 2/3 of non-fatal workplace injuries. This can be somewhat explained because men are more heavily represented in dangerous occupations and industries like forestry (the most dangerous) and fishing. When it comes to workplace fatalities, men make up 92% of workplace deaths.
And don't forget about getting your regular maintenance bodywork to keep your muscles and your central nervous system functioning properly. I highly recommend every 6-8 weeks. Book your session
