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People don’t talk about men’s health often enough. There could be many different reasons for this, including the perception that men have themselves “all figured out.” It’s also not uncommon for men to keep quiet about health concerns. Just as the old saying goes, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” Therefore, the less frequently men talk about their health concerns, the easier it is to overlook their needs.
When you think of men’s health, broad terms like “prostate health” and “cardiovascular health” probably come to mind. That’s because most people know that heart disease and prostate cancer are two of the most common health conditions in men. But, what about the sneakier, less-broadcasted issues that can make everyday life harder for the average male? Here are five areas of health men should focus more on.
1. Mental Health
For some reason, men are often embarrassed to admit when they struggle with mental health. This is unfortunate, since mental health issues are just as valid as physical health conditions and shouldn’t bring shame. Rather than being a sign of weakness, admitting to and seeking help for mental health needs is actually an indication of strength and bravery. Ignoring men’s mental health issues, on the other hand, is no braver than failing to seek treatment for a broken bone.
In some cases, monetary constraints might prevent men from seeking the mental health they need. Fortunately, the skyrocketing popularity of digital healthcare platforms makes it easier than ever before to find affordable therapy. A quick online search can deliver results for licensed therapists in your state who can meet with you by telephone. Look for a therapist who offers the flexibility of messaging therapy or live video or audio sessions. Online therapy is often less expensive than in-person therapy, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget.
2. Sleep Quality
Quality sleep isn’t a luxury, even though it may seem that way sometimes. Deep, regenerative sleep is crucial for men’s health. It’s when the body builds bone and muscle, repairs damaged tissues, supports hormonal balance, and strengthens immune function. If you consistently get fewer hours of quality sleep than your body needs, your mental and physical health will suffer.
If you have physical conditions impeding your ability to sleep well, talk to your healthcare provider. Snoring, for example, isn’t just a harmless (albeit annoying) nighttime habit. It could be a symptom of sleep apnea or another heart condition that can lead to chronic sleep deprivation. Identifying the underlying cause of your snoring or other sleep disturbances is crucial for achieving restorative levels of sleep.
3. Blood Pressure
You could look fit and healthy on the outside but still have invisible internal problems impacting your health. High blood pressure is one of those sneaky health problems that plague men’s health. It strains the heart and can increase a man’s risk of eventual heart failure. It can also cause coronary artery disease and raise the risk of metabolic syndrome. In fact, over 50% of men can expect to have high blood pressure between the ages of 45-54.
Symptoms of high blood pressure include severe headaches, vision problems, nosebleeds, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and chest pain. You may be able to quickly bring your blood pressure down by taking a warm shower, practicing deep breathing exercises, and meditating. For long-term blood pressure control, adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage your weight, and minimize stress. You may also need to take blood pressure medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
4. Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy type of fat produced in the liver. It’s a crucial component of cell membranes and plays an important role in hormone production and vitamin D synthesis. The body converts cholesterol into bile acids, which aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. Although cholesterol is necessary for optimal human function, too much of it can be harmful to men’s health.
High cholesterol increases the risk of peripheral artery disease, strokes, and heart attacks. You’re more likely to have high cholesterol if you’re overweight, eat a diet high in saturated or trans fats, and don’t exercise enough. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medications called statins if you have high cholesterol levels. Once your levels fall into a normal range, you may be able to slowly stop taking statins with your provider’s approval. However, you can never go back to your unhealthy ways if you want to keep your cholesterol levels in check.
5. Stress Management
The pressures of work, relationships, and life can easily become overwhelming for the average hardworking man. Normal levels of stress are normal and can even be healthy motivators for everyday achievements. However, chronically high stress levels can wreak havoc on the human psyche and contribute to various health ailments. Chronic stress increases a man’s risk of sexual impotence, heart attacks, and stroke. It can also lead to mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.
If you feel like you’re always approaching burnout due to the high demands placed on you by yourself or others, it’s time for a change. Identify areas of unnecessary stress and figure out how to get rid of it. Make sure you’re properly decompressing and relaxing after demanding days and make time for your own interests and needs. Be sure to seek mental health help if stress is taking over your life and you don’t know how to manage it.
Conclusion
Strong men help create strong families, companies, and communities. That’s why it’s so important to give men’s health the attention it needs and deserves. Focus on these five often-overlooked areas of men’s health to boost your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
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