Health is one of those things that we take for granted and only start appreciating once it begins to decline. When we are healthy, it’s hard to imagine that sickness could be around the corner, but that doesn’t mean we should turn a blind eye to the possibility of different health conditions. This is not meant to scare you, but rather get you thinking. When it comes to matters of health, awareness—along with proactive and preventive measures—can go a long way in keeping you on top of your game.
It’s true, we tend to ignore some aspects of our health, usually out of embarrassment. Men’s health, unfortunately, is one of those aspects. It’s striking that despite wide-spread health awareness campaigns, many men are still hesitant to see a urologist or bring about some of their concerns to their family doctor. Although talking about your prostate, for example, may seem like a big deal to you, your doctor will think you’re nothing more than a patient who cares about his health. What is a big deal are the health complications that may result from a problem that hasn’t been taken care of in time. (Boost your testosterone naturally)
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Roadblocks preventing men from seeking medical care were the subject of the Men’s Health Symposium held last month at Loma Linda University Health. Health specialists discussed the societal expectations that hinder men from being proactive about their health and pinpointed simple steps that men can do to keep their health in check. Here are some of the take-home messages from the symposium.
Simple tips to keep men’s health in check
As you know, prostate health is monitored through a blood test that checks for prostate-specific antigens, or PSA. Prostate enlargement raises your PSA levels, as there are more cells to produce antigens. PSA score is also used to determine one’s risk of prostate cancer. Men in their 40s with a PSA score over 1.0 face a higher risk of developing prostate cancer later in life. If your PSA score hasn’t gone past 1.0 by the time you hit your 60s, your chance of getting prostate cancer is less than one percent.
Many aging men suffer from peeing problems, such as nocturia, the urge to urinate at night. (New research is helping people over 65 sleep well) The condition wakes them up numerous times a night, interrupting their sleep and contributing to daytime fatigue and reduced quality of life. If nocturia doesn’t let you get a good night’s rest, don’t suffer in silence—make an appointment with your doctor. (And in the meantime, try to reduce the amount of liquids you drink after three p.m. to help manage your nighttime urges.)
Age-related decrease in testosterone brings about so-called male menopause, also known as manopause or andropause. This change comes with a slew of symptoms that affect a man’s life in varying degrees: erectile dysfunction, low libido, muscle deterioration, and mood swings are just some of the most common. (But if you experience any of these, it doesn’t mean you can’t get help – you can, but you have to seek it. There are many different treatments available, from lifestyle adjustments to supplements, to improve your well-being and reclaim your manhood.
Declining levels of testosterone often lead to decreased bone health and reduced sex drive. (Uncover the 7 enemies of your manhood) The former makes you susceptible to fractures, and the latter affects your bedroom performance. But the good news is, there are treatment options available, and the earlier you address your problem of declining sex hormones, the easier it is to treat. Experts suggest using self-diagnosis tools, like the Aging Male (ADAM) Questionnaire from St. Louis University, to get a general overview of where you stand. However, only your doctor will be able to properly check your levels and recommend an appropriate mode of treatment.
Talking to your doctor can save your life. Remember this whenever you are hesitant about bringing something up with your GP. Caring about your health, being vigilant about your symptoms, and going for regular checkups doesn’t take away from your manhood.
