Health-risks for Men and 6 Healthy Alternatives That Work

Health-risks for men are getting scarier with each passing year. Various ailments, such as heart diseases, diabetes, and cancers, among others, are the leading cause of death among people. 

More so, African men are more at risk through their genes, the choices they make, and inadequate access to health care. Unbelievably, according to NIH, men are 25% less likely to go to the doctor than women. 

Such statistics contribute to the deterioration of men’s health, most of which can be solved through screening and lifestyle alterations.

Therefore, knowing these risks and embracing healthier behaviors that will more than ever protect your future is essential. 

In this article, we reveal the leading causes of health-risks among men and offer alternatives that can help minimize these risks. 

The time has come to make rational decisions concerning health-risks for Men leading to a healthier and longer life. 

Understanding Common Health-risks for Men

It is easy to find a man’s health concern swept under the carpet. Men are more likely to ignore early signs of health issues because of the culture that men should be firm and endure the worst of situations or a lack of knowledge of the symptoms. 

The CDC has it that common causes of death in men include heart disease, stroke, and some cancer types.

These conditions are associated with some lifestyles, which include low dietary practices, smoking, alcoholism, and inadequate exercise. 

However, these risks are more pronounced in African countries with complex health care, and these men will only go for a check-up when the situation gets out of hand. 

The good news is that changing our daily habits can prevent or cure most of these health-risks. 

In the following sections, we outline six types of health-risks for men more susceptible to them and how to minimize them.

1. Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Health

Health Risk: Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, and annually, many men are affected.

According to the WHO, heart disease is the cause of death of 17.9 million every year, and this is why it is the world’s number one killer. 

Some of the causes include genetics, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and stress, mainly prevalent in African men.

High blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking are the main culprits of heart disease and, if not controlled, may cause heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. 

Healthy Alternative: Two things are essential regarding heart health: prevention and care. The heart function can be improved by walking, jogging, or cycling through regular physical activity. 

Aerobic exercise for 30 minutes five times a week can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease by 35%. 

Consuming foods low in the glycemic index, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, helps safeguard your heart.

Reducing salt, trans fats, and sugars can also benefit heart health and decrease blood pressure. 

2. Prostate Cancer and Regular Screenings

Health Risk: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, especially those who are aged fifty years and above. 

The African man is especially vulnerable, and research has found that he is more likely to get the deadly kind of prostate cancer than his counterparts in other parts of the world. 

According to the American Cancer Society, the chances of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer sometime in his lifetime is about 12 percent.

Nonetheless, African men are more predisposed genetically because of environmental and health care disparities. 

Healthy Alternative: Prostate cancer, although a silent killer, has a high probability of early detection, increasing the possibility of treatment. 

Boys and men above 40 should have check-ups, including the PSA test, to check on the prostate gland. 

Also, using antioxidants in their diet, such as tomatoes, green vegetables, and berries, reduces prostate cancer risk.

Other factors that are beneficial to the prostate include exercising, stopping smoking, and cutting down on alcohol taking. 

3. Diabetes and Blood Sugar Management

Health Risk: Diabetes is turning out to be a significant threat to men globally and more so in Africa since there is a growing popularity of processed foods and sugary beverages. 

According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 19 million people in Africa have diabetes, and men are most affected.

Diabetes, if not well managed, poses a lot of risks and can cause things like kidney diseases, loss of vision, as well as nerve damage. 

Healthy Alternative: The first step to avoiding type 2 diabetes is controlling your diet and blood glucose levels.

Try to include whole grain products, low-fat proteins, and high-fiber products in your diet, excluding sweets, soft drinks, white flour, and sugar. 

Another important prevention measure is exercise: The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that men who practice moderate or vigorous physical activity are 58% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. 

4. Lung Health and Smoking

Health Risk: Tobacco is still one of the biggest causes of premature deaths, especially among men; 90 percent of lung cancer cases are a result of smoking. 

The World Health Organization states that men who smoke have a 15-30 times increased risk of developing lung cancer as compared to non-smokers. 

In Africa, mainly due to the high prevalence of tobacco use and poor health care, they are at high risk of lung cancer. 

Healthy Alternative: The best method to avoid lung cancer and other respiratory diseases is to stop smoking.

According to research, lung capacity is restored to normal within months of quitting the habit, and the chances of contracting lung cancer decrease. 

If quitting appears to be difficult, it is possible to join a support group or seek help from a doctor on how to deal with the urge to use the substance again.  

5. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Health Risk: Depression, anxiety, and stress are some of the prominent and common mental health issues that are not given attention to in men.

As reported by WHO, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and this is because they do not seek help for mental illnesses. 

There are also cultural norms that men from Africa, especially black men, are supposed to be strong and should not show any emotions, which can also worsen the mental health of such individuals.

Healthy Alternative: It is equally important to take care of one’s mental health as one’s physical health.

The men should also take it as a sign of strength to seek help when they are overwhelmed by their emotions or stressed by life events by going for therapy, counseling, or support groups. 

Thus, it is possible to enhance emotional well-being through regular exercise, mindfulness practice, and solid relationships.

Research also indicates that male patients have better prognosis rates if they participate in mental health activities. 

6. Obesity and Weight Management

Health Risk: This is due to the increase in the consumption of junk food and aerated beverages, which has led to a rise in the rate of obesity among men globally and, most significantly, in the African continent. 

According to the World Obesity Federation, it is clear that obesity gives one a high risk of developing different kinds of chronic diseases, such as heart diseases, diabetes, and joint complications. 

Healthy Alternative: Balancing your weight by adopting a proper diet and exercise is essential in avoiding obesity-related diseases. 

Some measures include avoiding deep-fried foods, using grilled foods, drinking water instead of sugar, and taking a 30-minute walk. 

It also prevents stress on the joints, enhances the functioning of the heart, and minimizes the chances of developing chronic diseases in the body.  

Quick Tips to Prevent Common Health-risks For Men

• Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes a day)
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Get regular health screenings
• Prioritize mental health and seek help when needed
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy weight

Take Charge of Your Health Today

Your health is in your control. If you are a man concerned about these diseases, it’s possible to change your lifestyle and avoid these diseases and, therefore, live longer and healthier. 

The only thing done by paying no attention to such issues is to worsen the situation and make the complications more severe. 

At the same time, constant changes, no matter how small, can gradually lead to considerable improvements. It is essential to begin; it doesn’t matter how old or young you are to start.

So, why haven’t you made these changes? Gentlemen, it is high time you gave your health a chance — start now! 

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At Enthusiast Express, our mission is to assist the African man in living his best life health-wise, mentally, and socially.

We have countless tools and features – from professional health-related consultations to real-life stories that motivate people to change. 

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Sign up with us today and be on the right path towards a healthier, empowered you. 

Welcome to the new era of improved health for you.