June 2017 Newsletter Additional Info.

Top ten health risks for men

It is something we all more or less know: women are healthier than men. Out of the 15 leading causes of death, men lead women in all except Alzheimer’s disease, which many men don’t live long enough to develop.

On average, men die five years earlier than women. The biggest problem is not so much a specific disease, but the diseases that develop in men due to a lack of health care monitoring earlier in life. Men put their health last, go to the doctor less often than women and are more likely to have a serious condition when they do go.

So, take note of the following and see how you can prevent some of these diseases.

1. Let’s start with the heart

Heart disease comes in many forms, all of which can lead to serious, fatal complications if left undetected. The major risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and a family history of heart disease. We cannot control our family history, but the other factors can be controlled and the risks minimised.

The top ten things men can do to ensure a healthy heart, are:

  • Give up smoking
  • Get active
  • Manage your weight
  • Eat more fibre
  • Cut down on saturated fat
  • Get 5 veggies or fruits a day
  • Cut down on salt
  • Eat fish
  • Drink less alcohol
  • Read the food label.

2. Embrace your lungs

There is nothing good about lung cancer. It is ugly and aggressive. Lung cancer spreads early, usually before it grows large enough to cause symptoms or even show up on an x-ray. By the time it’s found, lung cancer is often advanced and difficult to cure. Less than half of men diagnosed with lung cancer are alive a year later.

It is so important to see the doctor when you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath during simple activities
  • Pain when breathing
  • A persistent cough
  • Pain in the airway (that is the path air follows to get into and out of the lungs).

Your DIY manual for looking after your lungs include:

  • Avoiding tobacco exposure
  • Reducing fatty food intake and keeping to a balanced diet
  • Limiting exposure to common allergies
  • Following an exercise routine
  • Protecting yourself against pollution
  • Staying hydrated
  • Reducing your alcohol intake
  • Doing regular steam inhalation and vaporisation.

3. Do not wreck your liver

The liver is the second largest (after skin) single organ in the body, weighing 2 kg, and in the average adult about the size of a football. Its functions include digesting food, absorbing nutrients and getting rid of toxic substances.

Liver disease includes conditions such as cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, autoimmune or genetic liver diseases, bile duct or liver cancer and even alcoholic liver disease.

All men should make sure they:

  • Limit their alcohol consumption
  • Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise
  • Watch out for medicines that may impact the liver. Do some research or ask your doctor about cholesterol drugs and the painkiller acetaminophen (tylenol)
  • Learn how to prevent hepatitis and do regular tests
  • Don’t touch or breathe in toxins in cleaning products, aerosol products and insecticides
  • Are careful with herbs and dietary supplements
  • Drink some coffee as it can lower the risk of getting liver disease.

4. Depression is a REAL disease

Depression isn’t just a bad mood, a rough patch, or the blues. It’s an emotional disturbance that affects your whole body and overall health.

Men experience depression differently than women, reporting symptoms of fatigue and irritability more often. They are also less likely to acknowledge the condition and seek help. Although women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to die by suicide.

Experts recommend the following tips if you are depressed:

  • Exercise
  • Set realistic goals
  • Surround yourself with loved ones
  • Postpone important decisions
  • Seek professional help.

5. Diabetes is not always something you were born with

Diabetes usually begins silently, without symptoms. Over years, blood sugar levels creep higher, eventually spilling into the urine. The resulting frequent urination and thirst are what finally bring many men to the doctor.

Diabetes presents a unique set of complications for men, including greater risk for sexual impotence and lower testosterone levels which can lead to depression and anxiety. Untreated diabetes also contributes to nerve and kidney damage, heart disease, stroke and vision problems.

Your action plan:

  • Healthy eating and exercise.

6. Protect yourself from the nasty influenza and pneumonia

Other men’s health issues, such as COPD, diabetes, Aids and cancer, make men more susceptible to influenza and pneumonia.

And what can you do?

  • Get vaccinated
  • Wash your hands
  • Don’t smoke
  • Take care of yourself. Build a strong immune system by having proper rest and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with moderate exercise
  • Protect others from infection. Try to stay away from anyone with a compromised immune system or wear a face mask. Always cough into a tissue.

7. Your skin is your largest organ and needs extra care

Men above 50 years are at highest risk for developing skin cancer – more than twice as likely as women. The reason for this is more frequent sun exposure and fewer visits to the doctor.

Try to do as much of the following as possible:

  • Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours
  • Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
  • Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears and neck
  • Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays
  • Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher
  • Avoid indoor tanning.

8. Terrible enemies HIV and Aids are still with us

Men who are infected with HIV may not realise it, as initial symptoms may mimic a cold or flu. However, new infections are on the rise among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men or unprotected sex with infected women.

The secret of protection against HIV lies in knowledge:

  • Get tested and know your partner’s HIV status
  • Never have risky sex
  • Use condoms
  • Limit your number of sexual partners
  • Get tested and treated for STDs
  • Talk to your health care provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

9. You only have one prostate

There are not many things men can claim as “for men only”. This is one health problem men can lay full claim to – after all, women don’t have prostates. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland behind the penis that secretes fluids important for ejaculation. The older men get, the more the prostate is prone to problems.

Tips to take care of your prostate:

  • Incorporate more plant foods in your diet
  • Go slow on the meat and dairy
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks
  • Avoid drinking lots of fluid at once
  • Don’t hold urine; urinate whenever you first feel the urge
  • Avoid over-the-counter sinus and cold medications that contain antihistamines and decongestants
  • Manage your weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid stress; tension can lead to frequent urination
  • Do Kegel exercises. This is performed by pulling up all the muscles around scrotum and anus. Repeat this about ten times, five to six times a day.
  • Do not keep a laptop on your lap and near the prostate region
  • Go of a prostate exam at least once a year if you are older than 40.

10. Honey, I had an accident

These are what is called “unintentional injuries”. Men are more prone to this, because in most cases they are risk takers.

Avoiding injuries is easy:

  • Don’t drive when you feel sleepy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Wear a seat belt, keep to the speed limit and obey traffic laws
  • Look for safety issues around your home, and fix or remove problems
  • Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working
  • Use the handrail when walking up or down stairs
  • Use safety gear during sports activities, such as a helmet when biking
  • Learn to swim
  • Use care with ladders, power equipment and chemicals when working around the home.

Now that you know the top ten health risks for men, it is time to face the challenge: What habits do you have that you can change to ensure you do not become a victim?

Sources

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/top-10-health-risks-for-men
http://www.webmd.com/men/features/6-top-health-threats-men

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Healthyhearts/Pages/Healthy-heart-tips.aspx
http://www.webmd.com/hepatitis/features/healthy-liver?page=2
http://www.idph.state.il.us/menshealth/healththreats.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/education-materials/fact-sheets/20/48/the-basics-of-hiv-prevention
http://www.womenshealth.gov/mens-health/top-health-concerns-for-men/accidents-unintentional-injuries.html

 

 

2021-03-09T11:44:42+00:00

Pass the testicle test. A quiz

Did you know that during the Middle Ages men who wanted sons would sometimes have their left testicle chopped off because they thought the right testicle made male sperm and the left made female?

Fortunately for us, we live in different times and we can rely on real scientific knowledge. Do this quiz and see how well you know the facts about men’s testicles.

The correct answers appear below.

Questions

1. Testicles produce the hormone called…
A. Estrogen
B. Progesterone
C. Testosterone
D. Cortisol

2. Testicles change in size all the time, so an increase in size shouldn’t cause a man any concern at all.
A True
B. False

3. Testicular pain can be caused by…
A. Testicular torsion (twisted testicles)
B. Testicular cancer
C. Hernia
D. All of the above

4. A healthy testicle has no lumps or bumps at all.
A True
B. False

5. Testicles should hang…
A. Evenly
B. Unevenly

6. A monthly exam should be somewhat painful.
A. True
B. False

7. Which is the most common risk factor for testicular cancer?
A. Old age
B. An undescended testicle
C. High-fat diet
D. Premature ejaculation

8. What are the treatment options for testicular cancer?
A. Surgery
B. Radiation therapy
C. Chemotherapy
D. All of the above

9. What are the ages that you are more likely to get testicular cancer?
A. 20 – 40
B. Over 60
C. Birth to 10
D. All the above
E. A and B

10. Testicular cancer symptoms can include…
A. Lump on a testicle
B. Feeling of heaviness or pain in scrotum
C. Pain in the lower back
D. All of the above

Answers

1. C. Testosterone is the major male hormone that is produced by the testicles.

2. B. The size of the testicles should be more or less fixed, meaning that they shouldn’t feel bigger one month and smaller the next. Big changes in size should always prompt a call to the doctor.

3. D. Testicle pain has a number of possible causes. The testicles are very sensitive and even a minor injury can cause testicle pain or discomfort. Apart from testicular cancer, there are various causes of pain in the scrotum, where the testicles are located. Some of the causes include an undescended testicle, fluid in the testicles, enlarged veins in the testicles or kidney stones

4. B. A tiny tube carries sperm out of the testicles and into the male organ. This cord is easy for a man to feel between his fingers. Sometimes it feels a lot like a pea or a marble beneath the skin. If this same bump is felt on both testicles, it is probably not caused by cancerous changes.

5. B. It’s not unusual for one ball to drop a little closer to the Earth while the other stays a little closer to the body. As long as the relationship between the two parts doesn’t change over time, it’s not at all unusual for these balls to take up different positions.

6. B. Nothing should cause an intense amount of pain. If there is discomfort, consult a doctor. An exam should be thorough and should include these steps:

  • Roll the tissues between the fingers
  • Examine the tissues visually
  • Poke and prod for lumps and bumps
  • Squeeze the tissues and look for discharge

7. B. Factors that may increase your risk of testicular cancer include:

  • An undescended testicle. The testes form in the abdominal area during foetal development and usually descend into the scrotum before birth.
  • Abnormal testicle development. Conditions that cause testicles to develop abnormally, such as Klinefelter syndrome, may increase your risk of testicular cancer.
  • Family history. If family members have had testicular cancer, you may have an increased risk.
  • Age. Testicular cancer affects teens and younger men, particularly those between ages 15 and 35. However, it can occur at any age.
  • Race. Testicular cancer is more common in white men than in black men.

8. D. The options for treating testicular cancer depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, your overall health and your own preferences.

9. A. About half of testicular cancers occur in men between the ages of 20 and 34.

10. D. Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:

  • A lump or enlargement in either testicle
  • A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • A dull ache in the abdomen or groin
  • A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
  • Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
  • Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
  • Back pain.

Sources
http://www.medindia.net/medical-quiz/quiz-on-testicular-cancer.asp
http://fbapp.pitchengine.com/pitches/9430f20d-d38d-4618-9607-258e857e324a
https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=testicular-cancer

 

 

 

2021-03-18T10:21:53+00:00

An anti-aging guide for men

Nobody wants to age. Most guys, unfortunately, look much older than they are. Defy your age with these fitness, nutrition, lifestyle and skincare tips.

Unlike women, men usually don’t take care of their skin or do anything to slow down the process of ageing. Taking care of yourself needn’t be an expensive affair as there are a number of affordable things you can do not only to look younger, but also feel younger and healthier. Defy your age with these fitness, nutrition, lifestyle and skincare tips.

Skin care

  • Stay out of the sun. If you are going to be in the sun, slather on a moisturiser with an SPF of 15 or higher every single day to shield your skin from damaging UV rays.
  • Moisturise. Using moisturiser and a gentle cleanser every day will help you look younger.
  • Exfoliate twice a week. You should use a scrub twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and even out the skin’s surface.
  • Use an eye cream. Pat on an eye cream to tighten the delicate skin around eyes and reduce dark circles and puffiness.
  • Strengthen your skin with retinol. As you age, collagen breaks down and causes skin to sag. Retinol A boosts collagen production and cell turnover to firm things up and smooth out fine lines.

Good nutrition and hydration

Good nutrition won’t turn back time but it will slow down visible ageing.

  • Drink lots of water. Six to eight cups of water a day will help keep your skin hydrated, giving skin better tone and a more youthful looking appearance.
  • Eat healthily. A healthy diet goes a long way when it comes to looking good and feeling great.
  • Keep a regular eating schedule. Eating at the same time every day helps you avoid excessive snacking and other issues that come with an erratic eating schedule.
  • Load up on fibre. Fibre can help lower cholesterol, keep you full longer as well as keep your bowel movements regular.
  • Get in some anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are known for fighting off free radicals, one of the main culprits of ageing signs. Eat more fruits and veggies and don’t forget to take an antioxidant supplement.
  • Eat less sugars. Sugars makes you look old, so try to cut back on bad carbohydrates (white bread, processed foods) and eat more fruits and veggies.

Regular exercise

  • Don’t ignore cardiovascular exercise. It improves both heart health and lung health. It’s also important for weight loss and management. Try to do cardio 3 to 5 times weekly for at least half an hour.
  • Do crucial weight training. It boosts muscle growth and promotes strong bones, which can lower the risk of joint issues later. Try to lift weights for half an hour three times a week.

Other wellness aspects

  • Sleep well. Sleep plays a huge role in anti-ageing. It’s the time when your body repairs itself. Try to go to sleep earlier. Always try to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Keep distractions like your phone out of sight.
  • Stop smoking. Not only does smoking damage your heart and lungs, it contributes to wrinkles, skin discoloration and bad breath.  Worse still, it’s a major financial drain.
  • Try to reduce stress. Stress causes your skin to age. Over time, repetitive muscle contractions cause expression lines to form. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce stress every day such as:
    • Exercising regularly as it can relieve tension and take your mind off of daily stresses
    • Engaging in meditation or yoga because the simple act of focused breathing forces you to concentrate on one thing (your breath), allowing you to relax as you breathe deeply and slowly
    • Taking a few minutes out of every day to do something by yourself. Even a walk around your office building on a lunch break or a few minutes listening to music can do wonders to relieve stress levels.

Dress your age

  • Keep it simple. Leave the loud patterns and flashy ties to the younger generations. Your style should now be timeless, subdued and sophisticated. Your clothes should be crisp and impeccably laundered.
  • Embrace your age. Take pride in the number of years that you’ve lived. Don’t try to hide your years by adopting a style that belongs to another generation by wearing clothes that are either too tight or loose.
  • Avoid fashion trends. By the time you are 40, your style should be timeless, not set in time. Most fads are aimed at certain age demographics, so many of them may not even work well for your age group.
  • Forget about the past. Certain looks may come back in fashion, become more popular again, however, that doesn’t mean that you must pull your old wardrobe out of your closet.
  • Trust your trousers. A classic pair of trousers is a must-have in your wardrobe. If you’ve kept yourself in shape, flat fronts are a great way to show off your hard work in the gym. If not, pleats are your best way to hide those few extra kilograms.
  • Accessorise. Accessories add a different dimension to an otherwise boring look. Tie pins, cuff-links, watches and sunglasses are some of the accessories that are the biggest buff for working men over 40.

Sources
http://www.everydayhealth.com/mens-health/anti-aging-guide.aspx
https://brickellmensproducts.com/blogs/grooming-manual/66267203-top-5-anti-aging-tips-for-men

https://www.birchbox.com/guide/article/antiaging-for-men-anti-aging-made-easy
http://www.afr.com/lifestyle/david-sinclairs-beginners-guide-to-antiageing-20170418-gvmp24

 

2021-03-09T08:27:07+00:00
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