{"id":27365,"date":"2022-06-13T11:15:53","date_gmt":"2022-06-13T15:15:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=27365"},"modified":"2024-07-10T16:37:31","modified_gmt":"2024-07-10T20:37:31","slug":"how-can-men-improve-their-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/how-can-men-improve-their-health\/","title":{"rendered":"How can men improve their health?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canadian men live four years less<\/a> than Canadian women on average. They\u2019re also more likely to spend their final years in ill health<\/a>. Despite this, men are more likely to visit the doctor than women<\/a> \u2014 but only when they\u2019re feeling sick. Men don\u2019t take advantage of preventative care in the same way.<\/p>\n

The thing is, most diseases don\u2019t begin as acute conditions. Instead, they tend to progress gradually, giving opportunities for prevention. This makes proactive medical care and specific lifestyle shifts key determinants of a long and healthy male life. Here\u2019s how Maple can help.<\/p>\n

The most common diseases in men<\/h3>\n

Canadian men are more likely to die from heart disease and cancer than their female counterparts. Don\u2019t despair though \u2014 proper lifestyle interventions and preventative medical care can help.<\/p>\n

Cancer<\/h3>\n

Canadian men and women get cancer at roughly the same rates, but men are more likely<\/a> to die from it than women. Researchers attribute this to both lifestyle factors and to men being less willing to seek out early medical care.<\/p>\n

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) top the list of most common cancers in Canada. And men are more likely<\/a> to have an NMSC diagnosis than women. The good news is that the earlier NMSC is caught, the better your treatment outlook \u2014 so ignoring that concerning mole is a bad idea. Seeing a dermatologist online<\/a> means an appointment within 24 hours \u2014 weeks or even months earlier than waiting for a referral from your family doctor.<\/p>\n

Other types of cancer in men<\/a> include penile cancer, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer. Screening for prostate cancer<\/a> can be a controversial topic, but after NMSC, it\u2019s the cancer Canadian men are most likely to be diagnosed with. Not everyone needs prostate cancer screening. If you have a family history of the disease, however, or other risk factors, and are over 45, you may want to discuss getting your prostate gland checked with your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n

Heart disease<\/h3>\n

Canadian men are twice as likely<\/a> to die of a heart attack as women, and also tend to develop heart disease<\/a> 10 years earlier. But signs of a heart attack<\/a> in young men don\u2019t just include chest pain, breathing difficulties, and nausea. Signs of a heart attack in young men can also be tightness and pressure in the chest area, pain or numbness in the upper body that spreads to the shoulder blades or back of the neck and jaw, lightheadedness or fainting, dizziness, paleness, and cold sweats.<\/p>\n

Heart disease doesn\u2019t come out of nowhere though. Unsurprisingly, preventative care is also a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to heart disease.<\/p>\n

Properly managing preexisting conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can lower your risk of heart disease later on. Unfortunately, studies show<\/a> that men aren\u2019t as apt to take advantage of preventative care as women.<\/p>\n

A general health assessment<\/a> can help to lower some of the barriers to preventative care that men experience. This form of virtual checkup gives you the opportunity to dive deep into your health, looking into any personal risk factors for heart disease you may have. This can help you discover any potential issues before they become serious. A general health assessment can also make sure you\u2019re up-to-date on those tests you should never skip<\/a> \u2014 like checking your blood pressure or cholesterol.<\/p>\n

Obesity<\/h3>\n

Being overweight or obese isn\u2019t just about size. Those excess pounds can increase your risk for a host of other issues \u2014 from diabetes to cancer. And research shows<\/a> that Canadian men are more likely to have weight issues than women \u2014 almost 70% are classified as overweight or obese.<\/p>\n

Weight management isn\u2019t as simple as cutting calories though. If you\u2019re struggling to maintain a healthy weight, you\u2019re not alone. Developing a personal diet and exercise regime can be challenging.<\/p>\n

Seeing a weight management consultant online<\/a> can help make a difference. A weight management consultant can create a personalized treatment plan to meet your goals, aiding in the lifestyle and dietary changes needed to manage weight loss for men.<\/p>\n

What is the best “healthy diet” for a man and how does it change with age?<\/h3>\n

A healthy diet can keep your energy levels from fluctuating, help you build muscle, and lower your risk of disease. Unless your doctor\u2019s recommended one though, there isn\u2019t a \u201cperfect\u201d diet for men.<\/p>\n

Eating a variety is best \u2014 as long as you\u2019re choosing the right elements<\/a>. This means incorporating whole grains and a variety of proteins like nuts, fish, beans, and lentils into your diet. Fruits and vegetables should feature in each meal, and you\u2019ll want to avoid processed foods and sugary drinks whenever possible.<\/p>\n

Good nutrition remains a cornerstone of good health throughout your life, but your needs don\u2019t stay static<\/a> as you age. As you get older, your caloric needs decrease, but your nutrient needs actually increase. This often means rethinking your intake of fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. The four nightly helpings of pasta your teenage self used to wolf down just don\u2019t cut it anymore.<\/p>\n

Knowing exactly what to eat can be tricky though. If you\u2019re struggling with what to put on the table, you might benefit from speaking to a dietitian<\/a>. A registered dietitian can design a meal plan tailored to you \u2014 from covering your dietary needs as you age to gaining muscle and everything in between.<\/p>\n

Your insides aren\u2019t immune to aging either, and gut issues can rear their ugly head as you age. If you\u2019re experiencing intestinal difficulties or suspect you\u2019ve developed a food intolerance, speaking to a naturopathic doctor<\/a> is also a great option. They can help you pinpoint the cause of the issue, and develop a treatment plan that works for you.<\/p>\n

What are the benefits of working out for men?<\/h3>\n

Physical activity is a key part of sustaining good physical and mental health and staving off disease. Additionally, it\u2019s crucial for maintaining lower body strength, which is important for both movement and balance, and preventing frailty in your later years. Muscle mass begins to decline in your thirties, and the less you exercise, the faster it happens.<\/p>\n

Beyond that, exercise can improve your quality of life and cognitive functioning. It can even help strengthen your bones and reduce bone loss as you age. So aim for 150 minutes a week and divvy that up however you want. The most important thing is to get moving.<\/p>\n

Men’s mental health problems \u2014 signs and prevention<\/h3>\n

Although men and women have different rates of mental illness<\/a>, researchers are starting to question whether this accurately reflects reality. It might be that mental illness is less gender-specific, and more that men are less likely to seek help.<\/p>\n

Despite the fact that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression or a mood disorder, men account for four out of five suicides in Canada. One study found<\/a> that men are less likely to reach out for mental health support, or to even know that they\u2019re experiencing symptoms of depression.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the signs that you or a man in your life may be experiencing a mental health issue:<\/p>\n