Men's health (17)
- Penis health: Identify and prevent problems
- Kegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits
- Health issues for gay men: Prevention first
- see all in Men's health
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Men's health: Preventing the top 7 threats
No. 5: Stroke
You can't control some stroke risk factors — such as family history, age and race — but you can control other contributing factors. For example:
- Manage chronic conditions. If you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
- Don't smoke. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy diet, being especially careful to limit foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Include physical activity in your daily routine. If you're overweight, lose excess pounds.
- Limit alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
No. 6: Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes — the most common type of diabetes — affects the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to heart disease, eye problems, nerve damage and other complications. To prevent type 2 diabetes, get serious about your lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy diet. Include physical activity in your daily routine. If you're overweight, lose excess pounds.
No. 7: Suicide
Suicide is another leading men's health risk. An important risk factor for suicide among men is depression. If you have signs and symptoms of depression — such as feelings of sadness or unhappiness and loss of interest in normal activities — consult your doctor. Treatment is available. If you're contemplating suicide, call for emergency medical help or go the nearest emergency room.
The bottom line
Understanding health risks is one thing. Taking action to reduce your risks is another. Start with healthy lifestyle choices — eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, quitting smoking, getting regular checkups and taking precautions in your daily activities. The impact may be greater than you'll ever know.
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- Hennekens CH. Overview of primary prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
- McCulloch DK, et al. Prediction and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
- Schreiber J, et al. Suicidal ideation and behavior in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
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