The list of main causes of death among men these days aren’t very long. From heart disease and cancer to respiratory disease and diabetes, many problems that affect men can be avoided if they would simply make some very basic lifestyle changes. There are of course some very specific risk factors that weigh heavily on whether a person could be healthy or not, but most researchers agree that with some basic changes in habits and views much of these problems could be avoided. But for those things to happen you must be aware. Julian Whitaker, medical doctor for Alive Health comments on men’s health issues,
When it comes to health care, we men are like ostriches. We bury our heads in the sand. We are much less likely than women to visit our doctors regularly, take symptoms seriously and live a healthful lifestyle. Maybe that’s one reason why women have a seven-year average survival advantage on us!
It is obvious that men become more in tune with their health needs. They should be aware of the common habits that can put their health at risk but more important than that, they should understand what is considered to be normal health.
Understand What Good Health Is
Most men are known for avoiding the doctor for as long as possible. Society has long recognized that the “macho effect” has caused more harm than good. The idea that men should tough it out when they know it doesn’t feel right has become a serious problem. Experts however agree that the delay in seeing a doctor is often related to the idea that the way they are feeling is just a normal part of the aging process. This may be why men don’t recognize a real problem right away.
As it is, with problems like heart disease, diabetes, and some other very serious health problems, symptoms can be very subtle and hard to recognize. It is important that men understand what a normal, healthy body feels like. Once you are knowledgeable about what health really is supposed to feel like, it could make it much easier to notice when health issues go awry.
Often we are so busy with our lives that our attention is directed on other things; then when problems arise we expect the doctor to take care of it. However, the responsibility for keeping yourself healthy does not rest with the doctor as much as you think especially if you have neglected the problem until it has become extreme. The truth is that if you become proactive with your health before problems arise then you are less likely to have serious situations that could put your life at risk.
It is never a good idea to allow society to dictate to us what we should do about our health. If you don’t feel good, then do something about it. Don’t hide it or suffer in silence because society has the idea that it is not manly if you can’t suffer pain. Pain is not normal; it is a sign that something is not right. When you recognize that you are responsible for your own health then you will be less likely to find yourself in unhealthy situations that can put you in jeopardy. Sally comments on this in the Holistic Nutrition Blog,
I think it’s a shame that what is considered “normal health” in this country involves people over the age of 40 starting to take high blood pressure meds, statin drugs for high cholesterol, blood-sugar-lowering meds (metformin and Glucophage), beta blockers, and steroids for joint pain. It’s ridiculous and totally unnecessary.
If you are proactive in taking care of your health, knowing how good health feels, and doing the right things, then the odds of you needing all those pills and drugs will be limited and you will own your own health.