The Top Five Health Risks for Men

The top five health risks for men are Heart Disease, Cancer, Accidents, Stroke, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Men die at a higher rate than women from these top five health risks. One thing is abundantly clear; you do not have to become a statistic of these killers. By recognizing the threats to your life you can begin to take steps to reduce your risk.

#1 Heart Disease:

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. But because men develop heart disease much earlier than women, they are more likely to die from this disease. Conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure are damaging to the heart.
You can reduce your risk of heart disease by choosing to live a healthier lifestyle.
1. Don't smoke
2. Eat a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, and low fat items
3. Keep a healthy weight
4. Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day
5. Maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels

#2 Cancer:

The second leading cause of death among males is cancer particularly lung cancer associated with smoking. Prostate and colorectal cancers are second and third and are related to a high fat diet.
You can reduce your risk of cancer:
1. Don't smoke
2. Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, and low fat foods
3. Maintain a healthy weight
4. Exercise for thirty minutes per day
5. Limit exposure to the sun
6. Drink alcohol in moderation
7. Have regular screenings

#3 Unintentional injuries:

Accidents:
A motor vehicle accident is the third leading cause of death among males. In addition, male drivers are more likely to be intoxicated than women.
To reduce your risk of a fatal crash:
1. Use the seat belt
2. Follow the speed limit
3. Don't drive while sleepy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Poisonings:
Reduce your risk by:
1. Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors
2. Have fuel burning appliances checked regularly
3. Read and follow labels for household products (cleaning products especially)
4. Turn on the light and read the label carefully when taking medicine

Falls and drowning:
Reduce your risk by:
1. Using a safety ladder
2. Using shower mats in the shower and tubs
3. Swimming at guarded areas: never swim alone

#4 Stroke:

The fourth health risk for men is stroke. It is interesting to note that stroke affects both men and women equally but men have a better recovery rate. Reducing high blood pressure is the best defense against stroke:
Reduce you risk by:
1. Lower your intake of high fat foods
2. Don't smoke
3. Control diabetes
4. Manage weight
5. Exercise regularly
6. Manage stress

#5 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This disease includes a group of lung conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These are associated with lung cancer. The main cause is smoking.
Reduce your risks:
1. Don't smoke
2. Avoid second hand smoke
3. Minimize your exposure to workplace chemicals

It is important to realize that these health risks exist, but not panic. You can choose to lead a healthy lifestyle-eat healthy foods, exercise, don't smoke, and be sure to get regular checkups and screenings. By following these steps, you increase your chances of remaining active and healthy well into your 80s.