Men: Take Better Care of Your Health
Men: Take Better Care of Your Health
When it comes to health, men and women are not created equal. Men tend to lead less-healthy lifestyles, take part in riskier behaviors and not seek medical care when sick. But with health problems such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes looming, men need to take better care of themselves.
The Difference Between the Sexes
In general, men live five years less than women. Researchers say this is due to men's tendencies toward accidental injuries and heart disease. Men often participate in risky behaviors. They also smoke and drink more than women, two factors that contribute to many health problems.
In addition, the majority of men skip preventive health measures such as physicals and screenings, according to a survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians. And even though the benefits of eating right and exercising are widely touted, men are increasingly overweight and obese.
"People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing heart disease, several types of cancer and type 2 diabetes," explained Joseph Stegmuller, DO, a family practitioner on staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center.
What Men Can Do
According to Dr. Stegmuller, here are some ways men can improve their health:
- Get screened. Screening tests can detect diseases early, when they are easier to treat. Screenings can identify conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and diabetes. A newer test measures lipid abnormalities that play a role in heart disease.
- Ask questions. Men should ask their doctors about what screenings they need. Studies show that men ask fewer questions than women during doctor visits and have less success following a physician's instructions.
- Don't smoke. Tobacco damages the entire body.
- Exercise. Men should get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight contributes to many health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.
- Go easy on the alcohol. Men should have no more than two drinks a day.
- Manage stress. A Johns Hopkins University study found that men who responded angrily to stress were three times more likely to develop premature heart disease and six times more likely to have a heart attack by age 55.
- Laugh a little. Laughter reduces levels of stress hormones and releases endorphins that work as painkillers and help improve circulation.
Free Guide
Men often neglect their health, even though they face a high risk for cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Call 1-888-LOURDES (568-7337) to receive this FREE brochure on ways that men can improve their health.
Joseph Stegmuller, DO
For more information about Dr. Stegmuller or another Lourdes expert, call 1-888-LOURDES (568-7337) or visit the Lourdes Health System Web site at www.lourdesnet.org and click on "Find a Physician."
Join the Lourdes Laughter Club
Experts have long observed the health benefits of a good laugh. At the Lourdes Laughter Club, our organized therapy sessions provide a systematic approach to mirth in a supportive, safe environment without inappropriate humor. Call the Lourdes Wellness Center at 856-869-3125 for more information.
