Healthcare15 Reasons Middle-aged Men Should Keep Themselves Fit and Healthy

As men age, their bodies become prone to health problems. Their immune systems grow weaker hence the need to take extra caution regarding the food they eat and perform routine exercises. The text explains 15 health problems middle-aged men are prone to and why they should keep fit:

Weight Gain

As you grow old, your metabolism slows down, and you become less active. Additionally, your body loses muscle which makes it harder to prevent fat from accumulating. Reduced physical activity also means that the body burns fewer calories hence the weight gain, which increases chances of developing conditions like high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association, one in three adult men suffers a form of cardiovascular disease.  There are many risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol.

Men with high cholesterol are also likely to develop a stroke as the cholesterol plaque blocks the arteries in the brain and heart. If the plaque is unstable, a blood clot develops, blocking the artery, which leads to a stroke or heart attack.

Prostate Cancer

It is the most common type in middle-aged men. Prostate cancer does not exhibit any symptoms at first; it can only be diagnosed through routine screening tests. Fortunately, the cure rate for prostate cancer has increased since the introduction of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing.

Middle-aged men who have urinary problems like incomplete emptying of the bladder, a slower stream, or urinary frequency should consider visiting a doctor.

Rectal and Colon Cancer

It is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men. Patients experience a few symptoms, but routine screening of the stool for occult blood is the best way to diagnose the condition. Colon cancer, on the other hand, can be prevented if diagnosed timely.

Lung Cancer

Unlike other types of cancer, lung cancer spreads in the early stages, even before it has caused symptoms. 90% of lung cancer cases are a result of smoking. What’s more, tobacco smokers become prone to other forms of cancer, including cancer of the throat, mouth, and larynx.

Erectile Dysfunction

The condition is closely related to other diseases like heart disease, stroke, and prostate cancer. Men with ED, for example, are 1.6 times more likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack. As such, it is essential to discuss any cardiovascular diseases you may have with your doctor before asking for treatment for ED.

Depression

Middle-aged men are especially prone to the condition which can be potentially life-threatening and overwhelming. Research shows one in 20 Americans aged 60 and above battle depression. Sadly, it is difficult to diagnose the condition as many people ignore the symptoms from the onset.

Fragile Bones

As men advance in age, bones become less dense; hence, they become prone to fractures and breaks. Also, the body is less steady as it becomes difficult to maintain balance. Fruits, foods high in calcium, and veggies help keep the bones stronger.

Diabetes

Most people experience elevated blood sugar levels (prediabetes), a precursor to type 2 diabetes. It can lead to stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, loss of vision, and losing limbs. Luckily, prediabetes can be cured by increasing your activity levels and maintaining a healthy diet.

Stroke

The condition occurs when blood supply to some parts of the brain is disrupted. The most common symptoms of developing a stroke include weakness on one side of the face or body, difficulty in speech, balance or coordination, vision loss, and dizziness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The condition occurs in two forms: chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are caused by smoking. The toxins in the smoke damage the lung tissue causing it to lose the ability to transfer oxygen from inhaled air.

Pneumonia and Flu

Middle-aged men who have compromised their immune systems due to diabetes, heart failure, COPD, cancer, and other diseases are likely to develop flu. Men are 25% more likely to die from these conditions than women.

Skin Cancer

Middle-aged men are also more likely to develop skin conditions like melanoma. Research shows 60% of melanoma deaths occur among white men aged over 50.

Kidney Disease

Age gradually reduces the efficiency of kidney function. However, the condition can be exasperated as a result of poorly controlled diabetes and blood pressure.

Alzheimer’s Disease

It is the gradual loss of intellectual ability, including memory, language, problem-solving, and attention. Middle-aged men can reduce the chances of developing the disease by keeping socially active, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and being mentally active.

Wrap Up

Being proactive about one’s health is crucial to maintain good health even in old age. It is a life-long commitment, thus failing to meet one goal should not deter you from developing good and healthy habits.