It’s no secret that men often neglect their health that can lead to life-shortening chronic conditions. Men’s neglectfulness can be summed up in five different health mistakes they are making leading to less fulfilled lives that come with multiple health issues.
Overworking
Throughout the ages, men are admired for their capacity to work hard and safeguard their loved ones. Although these traits are commendable, an excessive preoccupation with work can lead to negative consequences.
It’s advised that men should avoid the misconception that they must choose between prioritizing their work or health. Placing less emphasis on work can result in neglecting one’s health. Fortunately, implementing simple measures can help men improve their overall well-being. Here is a list of important health tips for maintaining good health:
- Make getting sufficient sleep a priority
- Fit in physical activity daily
- Be mindful of portions sizes of food and beverages
Skip seeing their doctor
Although it may be exaggerated, there is a stereotype that women are more likely than men to visit a doctor. However, statistics show that in a year, 33% of men do not go to the doctor even once, while only 22% of women skip out, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It is common for men to have a nonchalant attitude towards the vulnerability of their bodies, according to Griffith.
As time passes, men inevitably experience the effects of aging. It’s important to acknowledge that you are not invincible and that seeing a doctor for regular check-ups is essential for maintaining your health.
Too little exercise
According to the CDC, only 25% of men are meeting the recommended levels of exercise. To maintain good health, adults should aim for at least 5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity) and two sessions of strength training, such as weight lifting, each week.
Everyone is occupied with various forms of busyness in today’s modern world. However, men should treat their bodies with the same care and attention as they do with other things that matter to them such as their cars, hobbies, and homes.
Keeping quiet when struggling mentally
The “strong, silent man” stereotype is often celebrated, but it can also hide emotional problems that are simmering just below the surface.
According to a 2015 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, almost 10 percent of American men experience daily depression and anxiety, yet only 41 percent seek help.
Suppressing emotions can result in more significant troubles in the future, so it’s essential to ask for help when needed and not be afraid to do so.
Effective communication is essential for establishing realistic expectations within a relationship.
This is especially true for women, who desire their partners to be healthy but also value those who strive to provide for their families and are involved in their community, often at the expense of their well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate your feelings and needs to ensure that your loved ones’ expectations are reasonable.
Brushing off potentially serious conditions
Unfortunately, many women have experienced that men tend to make light of serious matters. For instance, snoring is often joked about as a talent that can rattle walls. However, snoring can mask obstructive sleep apnea, which can lead to various health problems, such as:
- General fatigue
- Chronic headaches
- Obesity
- Lower levels of oxygen in the blood
- Enlargement of the heart
When someone close to you expresses concern about a possible health issue, it’s vital to take it seriously and seek medical attention. It’s better to err on the side of caution and prioritize your well-being as our health requires actively maintaining it or else we risk losing it.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
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