Hot Topic
Men's Health
These days, both men and women are living longer, healthier lives. But death rates for men are still higher than women. Many health problems experienced by men are preventable with early detection and treatment. In some cases, the answer may be as simple as getting enough sleep.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are a number of basic steps that men can take to improve their health. It may be hard to believe but not getting enough sleep has been associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression, not to mention motor vehicle and other machinery-related accidents. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
Eating right and staying physically active are also important. Exercising for at least two-and-a-half hours a week and getting a regular intake of fruit and vegetables plays a major role in improving men's health.
Over the years, men have taken a more active role in monitoring their health. Still, it's important to remember that keeping track of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and Body Mass Index (BMI), and more can really help determine risks for getting diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Getting regular check-ups is the best way to find out what's going on with your body. Even though you may feel fine, there are some conditions that may not show any signs or symptoms. Knowing your family history of disease will also help your doctor determine your risks of getting certain diseases so you can put a plan into action for lowering those risks.
Using good common sense plays a major role in maintaining good health. The CDC recommends eating healthy, staying active, protecting yourself (wear bike helmets, seat belts, etc.), and managing stress as ways men can stay healthy.
It seems simple: Improving your health starts with you. But in today's hectic world it sometimes seems that at the end of the day, there's no time for men, or women for that matter, to focus on their own health. It's important to make the time. Your health depends on it.
