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Title: International Men's Day: 5 Health Problems Men Face With Age And Tips To Reduce Their Risks

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Published on November 09, 2023. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

A combination of genetic, lifestyle, and societal factors can be the reason why men face a variety of health risks, starting from hypertension and diabetes to heart failure and cancer. The cause and impact may differ for individuals, but their presence is only growing. The first step toward a healthier life begins with the awareness of the risks and steps taken to keep them at bay. Let's learn about ways to prevent men's health issues from worsening and understand why we should have a health insurance policy with adequate coverage to avoid financial stress during a medical emergency.

5 Major Health Risks for Men that Increase with Age

1. Heart disease:

Cardiac ailments include a range of conditions affecting the heart, such as heart attack, heart failure, coronary artery disease, etc. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four men has some form of heart disease, and it is one of the primary causes of death among men. Apart from age, the other risk factors for heart disease include diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.

To prevent or reduce the risk of heart diseases, maintain a healthy diet with more fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods and food with trans fats and saturated fats, engage in regular physical activity, control blood pressure and blood cholesterol if they are high, and abstain from smoking and consumption of alcohol. Regular check-ups are also vital, especially if there's a family history.

2. Diabetes:

Said to be a silent killer, diabetes can cause heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, blindness, and several other health issues among men. It usually develops silently without any symptoms. A balanced diet with less sugar and carbohydrates, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help lower the risk of diabetes. Studies show exercising at least 30 minutes a day can reduce the risk of diabetes among high-risk men by more than 50%.

3. Lung Cancer:

Almost 90% of lung cancers are due to smoking. Those exposed to second-hand smoke, asbestos or radon, air pollution, and construction workers are also at high risk. Lung cancer grows very fast, and by the time it is detected, it's often in an advanced stage and difficult to cure. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of lung cancer.

4. Prostate Cancer:

As men age, prostate cancer is a common health risk they face; it is the second leading cause of death due to cancer after lung cancer. Not much is known as to what causes prostate cancer; however, it is treatable if detected in early stages. Some preventive measures are regular screenings and check-ups for early detection and a balanced diet that includes foods containing lycopene, like tomatoes. You can also discuss with your doctor about preventive options if there's a family history of prostate cancer.

5. Mental Health:

Men are more prone to commit suicide, as they are less likely to open up about their depression. Since they have a tendency to hide depressed feelings, they are also more likely to develop heart disease. Instead of feeling sad or lonely, men become angry or aggressive and may not recognise these behaviours as symptoms of depression. If left untreated, depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. Meditation, yoga, staying socially active, and engaging in activities like reading, solving puzzles and crossword games can help reduce stress and lower the risk of mental health problems.

Conclusion

With age comes many health risks. Awareness of these health risks can help in early detection and cure and prevent them from worsening. What's equally important is having health insurance plans that can save your out-of-pocket expenses in a medical emergency. In the absence of a health insurance plan, your life-long savings will be spent on footing the medical bills, drowning you in financial distress. So, make sure you have comprehensive health insurance plans and renew them on time for uninterrupted coverage.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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