Staying fit can help reduce these men’s health concerns

July 2019

Men can have health concerns that affect them specifically or that especially target them.

Prostate cancer and enlargement — If you have a family history (father or brother) who had early prostate cancer or if you’re African-American, you are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening.

Heart disease — Heart disease is another condition that can run in families. If your blood pressure or cholesterol levels are high, and your doctor has prescribed medication, be sure to take it as directed and don’t skip a day.

Also, ask your doctor if a daily aspirin might help.

Diabetes — If your doctor finds you have elevated blood sugar, that is prediabetes, which can be a precursor to Type 2 diabetes. But it doesn’t have to mean you will develop Type 2 diabetes.

Control your blood sugar levels by maintaining a good weight through diet and exercise. Also, smoking can elevate blood sugar.

Stroke — First, know the signs of a stroke: confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding; dizziness; problems with balance; weakness; numbness in your arm, face or legs, and trouble with coordination. Any of these symptoms means you should seek emergency help immediately.

The ways of taking care of your heart health also benefit brain health. So stay active, enjoy a healthy diet and get regular checkups and screenings when they’re needed.

Testosterone levels — Here’s a topic men don’t like discussing, even though it’s a fairly common concern. But did you know that, if you have ED, you are at 1.6 times greater risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke? Because of that statistic, it’s important to discuss your risk factors with your doctor before seeking an ED medication.

Weight management — Watching your weight is important at any stage of life, but especially as we grow older. Metabolism slows, so more than ever, you need to pay attention to portion sizes in your meals.

You know the drill: Eat right and exercise.